In celebration of Women’s Month, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association hosted its .ng International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 webinar under the theme “Empowered to Lead, Equipped to Thrive.” The session brought together women in leadership across different industries to engage the women at .ng in meaningful conversations on how women can lead with confidence and thrive in three key areas: career growth, health and wellness, and financial stability.
The speakers for the session included Dr. Ibukun Odusote, Chairperson of the NiRA Board of Trustees; Mrs. Wunmi Faiga, CISO of Axiom Integrated Solutions Limited; and Dr. Folakemi Fadahunsi, CEO Aspire HMO. Together, they shared powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, personal growth, and the importance of equipping women with the tools needed to succeed.
Dr. Ibukun Odusote opened the session by sharing her leadership journey and the role conviction played in shaping her path. Drawing from her experience in Nigeria’s internet ecosystem, she spoke about what it means to stand firm in your beliefs even when faced with doubt or resistance. Her contributions to Nigeria’s internet development have played an important role in ensuring that the country remains a custodian of its digital identity. She encouraged women to embrace opportunities for growth, make deliberate career choices, and remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations.
Reflecting on the challenges women sometimes face in leadership spaces, she asked a thought-provoking question: “Have you ever found yourself standing in a place where everyone wants you to give up?” She emphasized that when women have a strong conviction about their goals and a clear sense of purpose, it becomes easier to remain resilient even when others doubt them or expect them to give up. Her message reinforced the importance of clarity, courage, and determination in navigating leadership and professional growth.
Mrs. Wunmi Faiga focused on career advancement and leadership readiness, encouraging women to actively pursue opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. Her message was clear: women must be willing to step forward.
She noted that opportunities sometimes present themselves, but at other times they must be created. “Where opportunities exist, step forward. And where they do not, create your own chance,” she advised. She also highlighted the importance of networking, mentorship, and building strong professional relationships. According to her, meaningful relationships often open doors to growth and visibility.
Mrs. Faiga encouraged women to intentionally build relationships within their networks and ensure that their capabilities are recognized. She advised participants to highlight their strengths and contributions so that their professional networks remember them when opportunities arise. Another important perspective she shared was the need for collaboration between men and women in advancing equality. She emphasized that creating more opportunities for women to lead and thrive requires not only the determination of women but also the support and partnership of men as allies in the workplace and in society.
Closing the session, Dr. Folakemi Fadahunsi spoke about the importance of wellness and financial stability in helping women lead balanced and fulfilling lives. She addressed the realities of stress and the multiple responsibilities many women carry, explaining that women often struggle to compartmentalize different aspects of their lives. According to her, learning to manage stress and prioritize well-being is essential for long-term productivity and personal fulfillment.
She reminded participants that prioritizing wellness should not be seen as a weakness but as a strength that enables women to lead more effectively. Dr. Fadahunsi also shared practical insights on financial management, encouraging women to be intentional about how they manage and grow their income. She stressed the importance of having a steady source of income and maintaining a structured approach to managing finances. One of the frameworks she shared for managing income included allocating 70 percent for living expenses, 20 percent for savings, and 10 percent for loan repayments, if any. Her message highlighted the importance of financial awareness, planning, and discipline in building long-term stability.
Reflecting on the significance of the session, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mrs. Oluwaseyi Onasanya noted that creating platforms where women can learn, grow, and share experiences is essential to building stronger institutions and communities. “Empowering women to lead is essential for building stronger institutions and a more inclusive future. When women are equipped with knowledge, opportunity, and support, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to society and the digital economy,” she said.
Participants also shared how the conversation impacted them. Tobi Onwuka, Head Business Development, explained that the session reinforced the importance of intentional growth and resilience. Toluwani Owoeye, technical support NiRA, also shared that the discussions on wellness and financial management stood out to her, highlighting that success is not only about career advancement but also about managing well-being and finances in a way that supports long-term stability.
The .ng International Women’s Day webinar served as a reminder that empowering women requires equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to lead and thrive.