The 24th annual conference of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) was recently held in Lagos, featuring a prominent address from retired Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The conference, themed ‘O.W.N – Own. Walk. Nurture,’ attracted a diverse audience of women leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, and visionaries from across Africa and beyond, creating an essential forum for dialogue and empowerment.

In her welcome address, Justice Augie encouraged attendees to embrace their authentic selves while emphasizing the notion that individuals should view themselves as their own greatest competitors. She expressed, “Each and every one of you, each and every human being , all you need to know: don’t start hating anybody, don’t start competing with anybody. You are your sole competitor.” 

Justice Augie shared her personal narrative, detailing her experience with temporal arteritis, a rare autoimmune disease that affects blood vessels. Despite the challenges posed by her health condition, her attendance at the conference was motivated by a commitment to own her narrative and inspire others with her story. She remarked, “The true contest in life is not against others, but against your own fears, complacency, and excuses,” highlighting the importance of self-awareness and resilience in overcoming personal obstacles.

Further, she urged women to acknowledge their unique skills and abilities, proposing that rising above personal challenges is essential for growth. “It is you telling yourself, ‘I was born with unique skills, gifts, and abilities. I have gone through my own challenges, and I must rise above them,’” she articulated, reinforcing the message of empowerment.

Justice Augie also warned against the detrimental effects of envy and rivalry, which she characterized as self-imposed limitations. She stated, “If you are secure in yourself, you should be able to turn everybody on, knowing that your own unique story got you to where you are.” This assertion resonated with the audience, suggesting that understanding and embracing one’s journey is vital for personal success and community support.

As she concluded her address, her statement, “There’s no way you can stay down while lifting others,” encapsulated the overarching theme of the conference, which focused on mutual empowerment among women. 

Earlier in the event, Bisi Adeyemi, the WIMBIZ Board Chair, reiterated similar themes in her welcome address. She remarked, “It’s an invitation to each of us to enlist ourselves fully, to stand firmly in our truth and to pave the way for others. 

The WIMBIZ conference continues to function as a significant platform for women from various sectors, promoting a community where resilience and strength are acknowledged and celebrated. Attendees departed the event carrying not only the insights shared by Justice Augie but also a renewed sense of purpose to own their narratives and support one another in their respective journeys.