November 2017 – African Women in Leadership Organisation

Women Leaders’ Code: Affirm your Worth

And what great things I have discovered!

I found I can be whatever I dreamed

I found that I am not shackled by society in any way.

Whatever holds me down exists only in my mind.

Affirm your worth as a woman in leadership. Say out loud the pledge of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO).

Join the women leaders (members) of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) to affirm your worth. AWLO is committed to raising women leaders – Women of worth, willing to become better for themselves and their community.

The AWLO Pledge

I see me and hundreds of women like me from

all works of life meeting together in friendship and sisterhood to advance our common goals.

I have begun a journey of discovery – a journey to find self.

And what great things I have discovered!

I found I can be whatever I dreamed

I found that I am not shackled by society in any way.

Whatever holds me down exists only in my mind.

I found I could transfer the skills of nurturing my children to nurturing an entire community, and entire nation, If I dared!

I found that my inner strength prevailed against any obstacle that sought to trounce my goals.

I found that I had no need to prove a point to society, but that my womanhood is enough to confound anyone that thought me incompetent.

I found that beauty exists much more potently on the inside – and that it is this inner beauty that fully assuages.

I am a woman in the 21st century.

I stand on the shoulders of the African Women who forged on in the face of gender discrimination

The women who found themselves so they could save their communities.

My journey is unfolding, much more exciting stories await as

I and other African Women write our stories.

I am worthy! I am woman! I am an African Woman!

I am an African Woman of Worth!!

Attend AWLO INDUCTION 2017 to learn, and connect. Check out induction schedule and register here

Women Leaders Code

Women Leader’s Code: ‘Women in Leadership Should Pray’ – Dr. Violet Arene

That was the spell, that should be the spell for women at work, and in leadership. Pray!!

– Dr. Violet Arene

Dr. Arene

I recall my last Executive Training before my retirement was to be at the Senior Executive Program (SEP), Columbia. It was already included in the pre-planned calendar for the year. However, on a second look at, prior to implementation, the cost appeared exorbitant to me. I wanted to save money for the organization, so I went to my boss.

I explained to him it was the time to start the process for my participation in that program, but that the cost was exorbitant to me. I told him I sourced for a cheaper program, and would like him to give me money for that cheaper one in order to save money. He looked at me, incisively, said to me “Did we already approve that course?” I said “yes, but…”

He cut in, “It stays!” He took the memo from me, and signed his priceless signature of approval. And jubilant, I left his office, thanking my God for the grace to have such an empathic Boss. “Did we approve it? Then it stays” It was music to my ears, still is!

When the Accounting Department processed my allowance for that big important, it was big. No one they said could understand why my boss was so favorable to me – a woman. What they did not understand was that I prayed everyday for my Boss.

[Tweet “Women that work at hot lofty offices should pray!”]

Women that work at hot lofty offices should pray! Pray for your Bosses, for yourself, and for the organization. I prayed for him, prayed for favor with God and with him. That was the spell, that should be the spell for women at work, and in leadership. Pray!!” – Dr. Violet Arene: Management Consultant, Women Enthusiast, and Leadership Coach.

[Tweet “Dr. Arene is a pioneer of Nigeria’ 6-3-3-4 System Policy, and other sustainable systems at NNPC.”]

Dr. Arene is a self-starter, and ground breaker. She founded numerous sustainable systems at National Corporations, and Public Sector in Nigeria. She is a pioneer of Nigeria’ 6-3-3-4 System Policy, and other sustainable systems at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; where she retired as GM. She is an Author of 21 Books, and first woman to pastor a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God.

Learn “The Power of Purpose Driven Leadership” and more from Dr. Violet Arene during her Leadership Workshop for Women Leaders at #AWLOInduction2017 on 15th December 2017. Visit awlo.org/induction2017 to see schedule and register.

News

Dr. Elisha Attai Honored Alongside Chief Mrs. Akande, Folorunsho Alakija, Princess Abah Folawiyo at FADAN Fashion Week 2017

[Tweet “AWLO Founder Dr. Elisha Attai honored by @fadannigeria”]

The Founder of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), Dr. Elisha Attai, was recently honored by the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), alongside other key contributors to National development such as, Chief Mrs. Akande, Folorunsho Alakija, Princess Abah Folawiyo, and others.

According to the FADAN National President Funmi Ajila Ladipo, this year’s FADAN Fashion Week was centered on empowering young women and slated to raise funding to buy sewing machines for 500 trainees.

Dr. Elisha Attai in thanking the organizers for the recognition, said he was enthused to be a part of women development and dedicated the award to AWLO Members globally.

Dr Elisha Attai receiving FADAN Award

He received the award in the company of a few AWLO Executives and Members. Namely: Dr. Violet Arene; AWLO BOT Member, Mrs Pat Umo Eno; AWLO Patron, Mrs. Chidinma Chukwujama; AWLO Protocol Director, Mrs. Maureen Omeibe; AWLO Lagos Chapter Coordinator, Mrs Esther Omotayo; AWLO Kaduan Chapter Coordinator, and others. He was also accompanied by his dear wife Mrs. Eno Attai.

Dr Attai and his Executives/Members

Dr. Attai and Wife

Dr. Elisha has received numerous accolades these year for his contributions to the advancement of women of African descent. He was recently honored by the Global Oved Dei University USA with a Doctorate degree.
Here is to many deserved honors. Congratulations Dr. Elisha Attai.

News

How to look the part for #AWLOINDUCTION2017

We are excited as it draws closer to #AWLOInduction2017. AWLO Induction holds at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Akwa Ibom State, on 15^th December 2017. We are looking forward to converging Women of African Descent and Distinguished Leaders.

Are you thinking of ideas to dress up for #AWLOINDUCTION2017? We can give you a great head start!

We know women like to play dress up, and they will be the ones reading this right now. So, let’s start with them. (This article may not be beneficial to inductees because their chapters may have a uniform dress code for the dinner).

The day starts off with the #1Mother1Child awareness walk. This is for everyone to be a part of AWLO’s dream for every child/young adult to grow up with the tangible support of a mother, – a woman who is committed to ensuring that one child lives her fullest potential; whether boy or girl. AWLO believes that Motherhood is a call to Leadership.

We anticipate that 300 people should get involved in creating awareness for #1Mother1Child. Women, young people, men, press, humanitarians, and others. Participants can buy Awareness walk Tee-Shirts at the venue, they can also buy ahead of the day by calling +234 812 586 6901.

Back to the dress code. To go with your tees, get a pair of pants and comfy sneakers or ballerinas to get you in the mood for walk. Don’t forget to come with your selfie sticks because we will also be taking a lot of photographs. We will walk all the way to the workshop. Voila, this will be your workshop look too.

A dinner ensemble works for the grand finale – the Induction Dinner. The red carpet will be prepared for you. One thing though, don’t miss out the part that African culture is at the core of AWLO’s essence, and guests hardly disappoint. You don’t want to be surprised.

That’s it, see you at #AWLOINDUCTION2017! Register here

News

Tell a Sister, to tell a Sister, about #AWLOINDUCTION2017

Every AWLO event has a takeaway, and this time we are gearing up for #AWLOINDUCTION2017. At African Women in Leadership organisation, AWLO, we seek to advance the status of women in leadership.

[Tweet “AWLO Is every woman’s stepping stone to leadership”] We have been privileged to share some priceless moments with women.

Some of them shared their personal takeaways from AWLO Events:

Joanna said:

The program was a great one. I was paired with a mentor who was everything I thought a mentor should be: warm, friendly and easy to relate with, with a great sense of fashion as well! She took time to share with me and gave me lots of pointers on how to plan my life and build up my skills.

Gladys Ohaba said:

I learnt to manage my time, priorities, energy, thoughts, words and personal life, and how to strike a balance between work and personal life, the value of time and knowing your capabilities as an individual.

Also, I learnt that there’s nothing wrong in delegating responsibilities, that when you delegate you are improving someone’s life while improving yours (so you don’t break down). We are encouraged to let our emotions translate in what we do, create an atmosphere of positivity and exert self-control.

Share these life-changing testimonials with a sister, to invite her to #AWLOINDUCTION2017 at Le Meriedien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort Akwa Ibom, on 15^th December 2017. See more testimonials below.

Register and Learn more about #AWLOINDUCTION here

News

Celebrating AWLO Youth Council at One

A whooping one year has gone by since the launch of AWLO Youth Council. In the last one year, AWLO has put in place a well-structured and feasible organisational chart towards maintaining global best practice.

Since inception, there has been a remarkable turnout of members. AWLO Youth Council started as the organisation’s means of reaching out to raise the next generation leaders. AWLO is known for its impact on women leaders of African descent however in order to outlive itself, it has made provisions for generations after, to emulate and imbibe.

In the spirit of commemorating our Youth Council at one year, different chapters of AWLO Youth Council organised a mentorship forum to mark this day.

It was such an interesting time; as interactive discussions took place with focus on mentorship,being one of AWLO’s goals as we pass the baton to the younger generation is to have accomplished women leaders mentor young women.

We had our mentors speak on impactful topics on time management, managing emotions, managing priorities, advancing relationships, and others. This insightful session which was dubbed ‘Conversations with my Younger Self’, left the young women filled with ideas to blaze a trail and become who they really aspire to be with no form of encumbrance.

The Forum was filled with brain storming sessions , a one-on-one mentor-mentee sessions while mentors also selected mentees for a one-year period.

The mentees had this to say:

After the programme I had to check my life again, evaluate my life and made a new checklist as a guide to my daily activities. I make sure I follow my priorities as I have written on my check list. I also asked myself questions and really check myself before I wrote them down. By DEC this year I will check my progress so far.
– Mercy (Rivers State Chapter).

The program really made an impact in my life. Especially in the area of coaching; for you to be successful you need a coach and your coach is not someone you admire from a distance. He/she must be someone you have access to guide you, some that you can confide in, and someone that has the qualities that you need.
– Lilian.

The programme was very informative and I learnt a whole lot to improve my life and my business.
– Marvellous.

Conversations with my Younger Self was an eye-opener. I learnt to manage my time properly and prioritize effectively so that I could be more efficient in my life and in my business. I also learnt a lot about personal life. It was so refreshing and inspiring to meet successful older women who had gone through the stages that we younger women are currently experiencing.
– Chimdi.

The youth council anniversary/ mentorship forum held on Saturday the 28^th October 2017, was an interactive forum to learn. I was privileged to have attended the programs. Issues discussed ranged from managing your time, priorities, energy, thoughts, words and personal life. It was an avenue for knowledge addition as we learnt how to strike a balance between work and personal life, the value of time and knowing your capabilities as an individual. I have learnt that as a young woman of worth when I organize myself it helps me keep to timing and understand that when I don’t keep to time, people lose value for me.
– Gladys Ohaba.

Also, there’s nothing wrong in delegating responsibilities, WOW Esther Asipa rightly said that when you delegate you are improving someone’s life while improving yours (so you don’t break down). We are encouraged to let our emotions translate what we do, create an atmosphere of positivity and exert self-control.

Ultimately all mentors around agreed that to be the best you can be and be successful we as individuals must be disciplined, set out our priorities and work diligently and committedly towards achieving set priorities.

The youth anniversary/ mentorship forum was a time well spent and am so glad to be a part of the ALWO community even as we move forward to making great impact in our generation building up women of worth and showcasing to the world based on standards, who a leader is.

Youth Council is already looking forward to its second anniversary, and more bright plans are on the way. Here is to thanking God for a successful one year.

News

A Room Full of Leaders

African Women in Leadership Organisation holds AWLO Induction 2017: Awards, Dinner, Keynote Addresses, Leadership Workshop, and others.
African Women in Leadership Organisation is the foremost organization for female leaders of African descent; for changing the narrative & building capacity of African Women in Leadership, High Level Networking, and Social Impact.

In 2009, African Women in Leadership Organisation started out as the West African Women in Leadership Conference, but it’s impact has expanded to over 8 African Countries. It is also a registered 501(c) organization under the Federal Laws of the United States of America, officially listed with the United Nations Global Compact and currently springing in the United Kingdom.

[Tweet “AWLo is a registered 501(c) organization under the Federal Laws of the United States of America,”]

Since starting it has gained recognition from the United States Government, United Nations, Governments of African Nations. It originated from Nigeria, and has raised over 500 women leaders – AWLO members committed to the developing themselves and their community. In total AWLO is currently in 10 states of Nigeria and still expanding. Some of AWLO’s contributions to community development has been influencing the actualization of Nigeria’s 35 percent affirmative action, and the #1Mother1Child project spearheaded by H.E. Mrs. Alayingi Sylva to integrate children/young adults without support for livelihood, and encourage women leaders to support in raising them.

For the 9th time in 9 years, AWLO will induct new members. Every AWLO Induction is a making of Leaders, and a packed leadership experience.
This year’s will be an engaging day that begins with the #1Mother1Child awareness walk. To create awareness for women leaders to actively participate in raising and becoming benefactors for the younger generation. This ends at the Leadership Workshop Venue, for ‘The Power of Purpose Driven Leadership’ session with Dr. Violet Arene.

[Tweet “For the 9th time in 9 years, AWLO will induct new members.”]

The crux of the day is the Induction Dinner & Awards. A grand finale featuring Leaders, keynote addresses, Awards, and New-Members’ decoration.

[Tweet “The crux of the day is the Induction Dinner & Awards. A grand finale featuring Leaders, keynote addresses, Awards, and New-Members’ decoration.”]

On our official guest list are;

Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Father of the Day
Prof. Uche Nnamdi Azikiwe (Educator & wife of 1st President of Nigeria, President Azikiwe)
Mother of the Day, H.E Martha Udom Emmanuel, First lady Akwa Ibom State & Keynote Speaker
Hon. Onofiok Luke; Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
Mrs. Toyin Saraki; Wife of the senate President/Founder-Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBF Africa)
Chief Opral Benson; Liberian Consulate to Nigeria & AWLO BOT Chairperson
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Politician & Philanthropist
H.E. Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; Deputy Governor Rivers State Nigeria
H.E Mrs. Eberechi Nyesom Wike; High Court Judge & First lady Rivers State
Dr. Violet Arene; Leadership & Management Consultant, AWLO Global Youth Matron & Board Member
H.E. Mrs. Alayingi Sylva; Former First Lady Bayelsa State
H. E. Hajiya Marya Aminu Tambuwal; First lady Sokoto State,
H.E. Hadiza El-Rufai; First Lady Kaduna State
Chief Dele Momodu; Founder Ovation Group
Nat Kwabena Adisi; Chief Executive Officer – EIB Network Limited (Ghana)
Mr. Ubong King; Security Expert & Founder Ubong King Foundation
Pastor Umo Eno; CEO Royalty Group
Mr. Churchill Udoh; CEO Westgate Global
Laila St. Matthew-Daniel; President/Founder – ACTS
Mrs. Ezinne Kufre – Ekanem, CEO – Rosemary’s Soft Furnishing Company
Hon. Emmanuel Bassey; Chief Whip, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
and others.

AWLO Founder Hon. (Dr.) Elisha Attai who is excited about convening the 2017 AWLO Induction says “It has been a fully packed 2017 for AWLO; from Accra, to Atlanta, and all the places we have been to this year. Yet it is not complete without officially welcoming our new members to the organisation, and giving them a Leadership Experience.”

AWLO Induction Dinner holds on the 15th December 2017 at Ibom hotel & Golf Resort. and #1Mother1Child Awareness Walk; 7am, Leadership Workshop;10am, Induction Dinner & Awards; 6pm. Visit awlo.org/induction2017 to learn more about AWLO Induction and register.

[Tweet “AWLO Induction Dinner holds on the 15th December 2017 at Ibom hotel & Golf Resort.”]

African Women in Leadership organization (AWLO) is open to all women of African Descent. AWLO brings together female executives, professionals and leaders to further advance the leadership status of women in continent of Africa, by creating an empowering platform and harnessing the synergies of alliance.

Visit https://awlo.org/membership to become a member of AWLO.