Women in executive and leadership positions have stressed the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and mission focus as essential qualities for effective leadership and public engagement.
They spoke on Wednesday at The Executive Women Summit (TEWS) 2025 held in Lagos, with the theme “Leading From Within: An Authentic Approach to Leadership.”
In her keynote address, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre Group, said true leadership begins with authenticity and a strong value system.
“You are your authentic self. You consist of many elements, and you must represent who you are as a whole,” Awosika said.
She noted that a leader’s most genuine attribute is their value system and emphasized the courage to stand for justice even when unpopular.
“The majority is not always right. Own your journey and your story,” she added.
Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the former Vice President, urged leaders to maintain a laser focus on their mission, saying such focus provides clarity and helps define achievable goals.
She said authenticity means staying true to one’s values before, during, and after attaining any position of prominence.
“Some people may enjoy simpler lives, eating chicken drumsticks and watching television. That is fine, but authenticity is being true to yourself,” she said.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, praised the summit for creating a platform for women leaders, innovators, and changemakers to inspire the next generation.
Represented by Mrs. Tobe Ajomale, wife of a Lagos lawmaker, Sanwo-Olu said true leadership is rooted in purpose, empathy, and integrity.
“In Lagos, women occupy key government positions, reflecting our shared commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and progress,” she said.
She noted that the Office of the First Lady continues to support women, youth, and families through empowerment, mentorship, and welfare programmes.
She encouraged women to keep breaking barriers, mentoring others, and leading with authenticity and compassion.
Mrs. Bola Matel-Okoh, Convener of TEWS and Founder of Women Lifestyle Hub, said Africa cannot afford leadership that “burns bright and burns out.”
She observed that despite visible progress, women still occupy only 27 per cent of parliamentary seats across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“In the private sector, women’s representation declines sharply at senior levels. Across Africa, only nine per cent of CEOs and eight per cent of board chairs are women — though Nigeria leads with 10 per cent female CEOs among listed firms,” she said.
Matel-Okoh explained that TEWS 2025 aims to provide practical solutions to leadership burnout while promoting authenticity as a foundation for sustainable organizational success.
