New Leadership at WIMBIZ: Akinsanya Steps Into the Role
Ebisan Akinsanya has officially become the new chairman of the Board of Trustees of Women in Business, Management and Public Service (WIMBIZ). She took over from Bisi Adeyemi, who had served as chair since 2022. The transition was marked by a ceremony held in Lagos during the closing event of the annual WIMBIZ conference, which focused on the theme “Own your story, Walk in power, Nurture the future.”
In her acceptance speech, Akinsanya emphasized the importance of embracing every stage of a woman’s journey—whether it involves challenges, uncertainties, or moments of transformation. She stated, “Whether you’re just starting out, reconstructing your career, reinventing yourself after years of service, or mentoring the next generation, this community is yours.” Her words resonated with attendees, highlighting the deep sense of solidarity within the organization.
Akinsanya described WIMBIZ as more than just a professional network. “We’re a battalion. This is where women come to be empowered, strengthened, and supported. We’re here to remind each other that you’re not alone, you’re not imagining it, and you’re absolutely not done,” she said. Her message underscored the collective strength and resilience of the WIMBIZ community.
As WIMBIZ celebrates its 24th conference anniversary, Akinsanya called the milestone “a huge achievement.” She paid tribute to the organization’s founders, a group of 12 women and one man who “didn’t ask if it had been done; they simply got on and built something the rest of us could stand on.” Their legacy continues to shape the organization’s mission and vision.
Akinsanya also recognized the efforts of outgoing leaders and welcomed new board members, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in advancing the cause of women in leadership. She outlined her plans for the future, stating, “WIMBIZ has been in existence for a long time. We have a vision. So you should expect continuity of that vision and purpose. We’re going to continue in that light, continue to deepen our impact and our reach.”
She added, “To continue to be a defining voice for women, not just in Nigeria, Africa, and the world. We want to remain at the centre of all the conversations and ensure that our impact is deeper, is felt, and the reach is wide. We’ll continue to drive collaboration. We want to broaden our partnerships and take advantage of new opportunities. There’s always an opportunity for growth. So we look to do much more in this space.”
Expanding the Reach of WIMBIZ
The immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees, Adeyemi, provided an overview of the organization’s progress under her leadership. She highlighted the formal registration of WIMBIZ in the United Kingdom, which allowed the organization to expand its influence to the diaspora community. Over the past three years, WIMBIZ has successfully hosted three London conferences, further strengthening its global presence.
Adeyemi also noted that WIMBIZ is formally registered with the NGO Committee on the Status of Women in New York, marking a significant milestone in amplifying its voice on the global stage. The organization’s membership has grown to over 3,000 women across 24 countries, creating a global sisterhood of leaders.
To sustain its legacy, WIMBIZ acquired its headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, and recently secured a parcel of land along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The organization plans to build a WIMBIZ Resource Centre, a space designed to deepen its impact and serve as a hub for leadership development.