The 2025 Business Women Hub Conference, held on Wednesday, 26th March, brought together powerful female leaders to discuss one of the most crucial topics in business today: accelerating female inclusion in leadership and business.
A standout participant was Linda Ochugbua, the Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay, who played an integral role in the conference’s discussions and was honored with the Outstanding Marketing Professional Award for her exceptional contributions to the industry.
Empowering Female Leadership
The event, themed “Accelerating Female Inclusion: How, Why, and Now,” featured inspirational speeches from notable leaders in business and government. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Atanda, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Establishments and Training, delivered a stirring opening speech. She remarked:
“Female inclusion in leadership, business, and society is no longer a question of if, but how fast we can close the gap. This conference is more than a gathering—it is a launchpad for action. Each of us has a role to play in advancing this movement. Let’s stand together, take bold steps, and shape a future where no woman is left behind. The time for change is now.”
Linda Ochugbua: A Champion for Empowerment
During the conference, Ochugbua moderated the highly anticipated panel session “Female Inclusion: Empowering the Female CEO,” where she shared her insights on empowering women in business.
She passionately addressed the audience, encouraging them to not only attend such events but to take action. She stated:
“Don’t just attend and leave, then go online to complain about lack of support. You may not realise the power in this room. I was once a little girl from the other side of the alley—today, I’m here because people helped me, and I’ve helped others. So, make it a goal to leave with at least 10 contacts. Help each other. Champion each other.”
Ochugbua also emphasized the importance of clear communication for business owners, especially those in small businesses. She explained that founders often assume their employees understand their vision, but without clear processes and communication standards, businesses can falter. She advised attendees to implement well-defined systems for both customer interactions and internal operations, ensuring smoother transitions during staff changes.
Championing Economic Growth through Inclusion
Other key speakers included Hansatu Adegbite and Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, who underscored that female inclusion is not just a matter of social justice but a vital economic necessity.
Mrs. Imelda Usoro-Olaoye, Founder of Business Women Hub, reiterated the organization’s commitment to empowering women through continuous training, funding, and networking opportunities, helping them reach their full potential in business.
Inspiring Practical Growth
The conference also hosted interactive sessions on time management, wellness, and creativity in business, equipping attendees with practical strategies for personal and professional growth.
With a strong call to action from all speakers, the event served as a timely reminder of the urgent need to accelerate women’s leadership in Nigeria’s fast-evolving economy.
