Speech by Dr. Alex Okoroji – President, WEF West Africa

Good day members of the press and everyone here, Welcome to the official announcement and joint press conference for the 107th Edition of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) happening in West Africa, preceeded by the G100 West Africa Meetings.I’m Dr. Alex Okoroji, and I am the President of WEF West Africa. I’m also the G100 Global Chair for Media Arts & Communication and I’m the President of the Nigeria-India Business Council for Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI).I am thrilled to be here today along with fellow leaders to announce the launch of this important event. The WEF West Africa Edition is the first-of-its-kind regional edition that brings together women leaders and men allies from across the world and within our region into Nigeria, to discuss the most pressing issues and global solutions for women in business, society, and across industries. This is a unique opportunity to connect with influential women leaders, learn from their experiences, share ideas, build networks, and create opportunities for economic growth. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges facing women in business while advocating for policies and programs that support women’s economic empowerment.Women Economic Forum (WEF) is an international conference platform for women’s greater visibility, voice, recognition, and networking for pursuing “business beyond borders”. It is the conference arm and mutual auspice of the All Ladies League (ALL) with 1000+ Chapters globally, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) with country bilateral partnerships in 150 Countries (including Nigeria) and G100 with 10,000 country clubs led by global women leaders across 100 sectors, collectively with over 1,000,000 members in 150 countries, founded by Global Thought Leader, Philanthropist & Champion for Women, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai and headquartered in India.For the first time in history, the Women Economic Forum is being held in West Africa to mark its 107th edition. WEF West Africa kicked off its two-part event with a digital conference in March to mark International Women’s Day with participants and attendees from many countries and featured Keynotes from Deputy Prime Minister, Her Excellency Violeta Bulc, CNN Commentator, Dr. Linda Pereira and Dr. Audrey Mothupi – CEO of SystemLogic. The second part will feature Three (3) Days of cross-cultural engagement to create a global circle for conversations, connections, collaborations and celebration.The three-day event will take place at the 5-star Lagos Oriental Hotel, on December 13-15 after the G100 West Africa Meetings happening December 11-12 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Lagos.The conference will feature powerful Keynotes and Panel discussions with 250+ Speakers in 18 VIP Plenary Sessions and Fireside chats across the 3 days.As president of this edition, I’m excited to welcome a powerful international and regional delegation to Lagos, as we honour the convergence of many eminent, inspiring and empowering women and men from across the world led by the Founder & Global Chairperson, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, as well as our Special Guest of Honor, the Vice President, Republic of Liberia – Her Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Jewel Howard-Taylor, the Former first Lady Republic of Kenya (2013-2022), Her Excellency Magaret Gakuo Kenyatta, our Keynote Speakers, Dr. Neerja Birla Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), India, Her Excellency, Dr. Rosalia Arteaga, Former President of Ecuador, Her Excellency, Dr. Violeta Bulc, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia & EU Commissioner, Special Adviser to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Dr. Chantal Yelu Mulop, Honourable Charity Ngilu, Former Governor Kitui County Kenya, Honorable Grace Akumu, Climate Change Nobel Laureate 2007, Alwazna Falah – UAE Chamber of Commerce, and other VIP Speakers, business leaders, Policymakers, Institution Leaders and Celebrities joining us from Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, Senegal and other countries (too many to mention) – as we strengthen women’s global impact and celebrate our sisterhood in the West Africa region and beyond.WEF is organised with support from the WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council in partnership with G100. G100 is an influential Group of 100 Global Women Leaders from across the world, in 100 diverse sector wings, supported by eminent He for She champions, and 100 country clubs for powerful advocacy, awareness & impact across governments and global organisations. The WEF West Africa event will be preceded by a closed-door high-level G100 West Africa Meeting (11-12 December 2023) and a VIP Meet & Greet with policymakers.The WEF-West Africa 2023 edition will include in-person discussions and digital sessions, networking, and collaborations to promote leadership around the world, encouraging women to grow their businesses, build successful careers and amplify their influence, impact and income.WEF-West Africa will also celebrate 100 Women on Wednesday, 13 December 2023 with a Medal of Honor at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with the Nigeria-India Business Council of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry(WICCI), and G100. and award 107 leaders (Women, Men and Companies) at the WEF Award Gala on Friday, 15 December 2023.The Women Economic Forum West Africa will kickstart on Day 1, Wednesday, 13 December 2023 with a focus on “Amplifying Women’s Influence for a Resilient Future…” with keynote address and VIP plenary sessions featuring presentations and panel discussions on:Leadership & ManagementEducationHealth & WellnessArt, Media & EntertainmentFashion & BeautyCulture & TourismDay one will conclude with a VIP Gala and Honourees ceremony, which will celebrate and honour 100 Women at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council.Presentations and discussions on Day 2 will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Impact for an Egalitarian Future…”. Plenary Sessions include…Politics & Public AdministrationDiplomacy, Security & DefenceSDG, Philanthropy & Social WelfareSTEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)Ecocivilisation, Environment & ClimateLaw & Social JusticeAs well as a networking booth to mark day two of the Women Economic Forum, West Africa.The final day of the conference will focus on “Amplifying Women’s Income for a Sustainable Future…” which will feature presentations and panel discussions onBusiness & EntrepreneurshipBanking & FinanceAgriculture & FarmingReal Estate and InvestmentEnergy, Oil and GasCybersecurity, Blockchain, Web3 and Metaverse.The evening will be crowned with the WEF Awards Gala; during which 107 women, men (He-for-She champions) and organisations will be awarded for their impact on Friday, the 15th of December 2023.The conference seeks to create synergies in all sectors, contributing to strengthening lines of action – such as making environments conducive for economic and social impact, increasing the health, welfare, and visibility of women leaders, and enabling dialogue to inspire innovative practices, that will ultimately have a positive effect on women’s impact, income and contributions to society.Previous 100+ editions of the Women Economic Forum have been held in India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Slovenia, Egypt, Peru, Colombia, Portugal, Spain, Ecuador, Singapore, Malaysia, Netherlands, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina amongst other countries. The forum has previously been addressed and attended by global thought leaders worldwide including Heads of State, Nobel Laureates, Royalties, Ministers, Mayors, Ambassadors, Business leaders, Celebrities, and many more.The 107th edition of the Women Economic Forum is powered by The BRAG Media Company and supported by G100 and WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council, which is expected to gather leading personalities from varied sectors in Africa and across the world.We believe the conference is necessary to foster cross-cultural engagement, understanding, and enrichment, as well as inspire global collaboration and provide an enabling environment for solutions and we welcome the press to support us in spreading the word, as we invite other organisations to partner in delivering this landmark event.I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors like FirstBank of Nigeria, NPF Microfinance Bank, APON, GWM, and many more, including our partners, volunteers, and the G100 & WICCI leaders, soul sisters and brothers for their support.Thank you.