Stanbic IBTC Bloom Weekend Is An Enhancement Of Women's Potentials- Bajomo

Stanbic IBTC Bloom Weekend Is An Enhancement Of Women's Potentials- Bajomo

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, one of the leading financial institution in Nigeria hosted women at the annual Bloom Weekend on Saturday 27th, 2024 at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Mrs Nike Bajomo, the Executive Director, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager described the annual Bloom event as a strategic gathering to enhance brand relationships with existing patrons and potential customers forging connections and fostering growth as well vibrant arena for impactful conversations.

Bajomo made this statement while delivering an opening speech at the  Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, themed “With her, For her”, hosted women to its annual Bloom Weekend. 

She added that Stanbic IBTC is committed to the success and progress of women which gave birth to the Bloom Weekend, making the women flourish in their endeavours describing it as annual and highly anticipated Bloom Weekend thoughtfully brought  by the preferred end-to-end financial solution partner.

According to her “The essence of Bloom Weekend and LATTES is empowerment among women, our aim, in addition to meaningful discussions for the advancement of women, is to actively bridge the divide between women’s inspirations and their tangible achievements. By focusing on a holistic approach, we aim to promote well-being, financial independence, and entrepreneurial success among women. Beyond these objectives, we recognise the transformative power of community. The cooperation that emerges when women unite to support one another is unmatched.”

“We believe that the collaborative environment of the stanbic IBTC Blossom Weekend can spark meaningful change. By providing a space where influential figures abs attendees can engage in open dialogue, we aim to inspire attendees to take bold steps towards their goals, aim with the insights and encouragement gleaned from this event. The conversations initiated here are meant to reach beyond these grounds, with each one of us taking it upon ourselves to encourage more women to take leadership roles, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and advocate for the financial autonomy.”

“In essence, through Bloom Weekend and LATTES, we endeavour to create a lasting impact, equipping women with the tools, knowledge and community to turn their inspiration into tangible success.”

However, Nike Bajomo, advised the women to be prudent in their spending enjoining women to have partners like Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers and Asset Management

Anchoring the Ladies At The Table Empowerment Series (LATTES) is Ayo Mairo-Ese, a multiple award-winning Broadcaster introduced the members of the panel speaking the  first speaker at the event, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, CEO Lead Consultant, Ladybird Limited started by asking the participants if they realised that they are privilege women, saying the reason is because they went to school.

In her address, she urged the women to learn to support each other. She said when you help others, other people will help you too.

According to her, "With her means how female communities and relationship help with business/ career growth. The importance of coming together as females and impact on the society signifies solidarity and support". 

"For her, describes the ways along which we are helping to build other women. It  signifies empowerment through unity, overcoming challenges, resources and taking action".

In addition to her words, women can have each other's backs by sharing knowledge, experience and real life milestones that can help many women grow faster and achieve their goals. Women should plan their steps in order to achieve their goals which she described as Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable,Time- bound "SMART". Mentoring can also help along the way to success,she said.

She admonished the women, saying; “You are the MD of your own life, You are the CEO of your own life even though you are married.” In conclusion, she said; “See you at the top.”

Ore Macaulay, light up the venue with her spoken words. Her poetic skill was out of this world as she dazzled the already excited attendees with her rendition. She recited; 

“To blossom is to make wave in your time, to blossom is to remember your root, to blossom is to welcome each day, to blossom is to be unique and outstanding.”

“To blossom is to shine like a star that you are made to be, to blossom is to water the seas of gratitude, when you blossom you become like tree, to blossom is not just about you to push other women.”

“To blossom is to put smiles on the faces of others, don’t give up, never stay down, you deserve the space that you occupy, it is made for me. Don’t be too attached to your past, be committed to your future.”

The host, thereafter, invited the panelists to the stage for a discussion session. The panelist include; Eugenia Abu, a Nigerian Broadcast Journalist, Writer, Poet and Media Trainer and Consultant best known as a former News Anchor and correspondent for Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); Nike Folagbade, a Family Life Coach and Councellor; Olaide Omotosho-Ikuru, Medical Practitioner, Health Kinect Clinic and Oluwadamilola Dada, Associate Director, PWC.

On her part, Dr. Olaide Omotosho-Ikuru said it is important for women to pay attention to their health. She noted that women should create self love. “When it comes to our well-being, the body, soul and spirit is involved and we should take care of it,” she stated.

On the other hand, Eugenia Abu, who happened to be the keynote speaker, said that women should balance their career and family advising that women should be open to learning. 

In her words; she advised women to "Make friends, Self-care, Look good, Pamper yourself, Give yourself a flower, Massage yourself, Phenomenon, Marry your friends” She said marrying a wrong man, is a risk to woman’s career.

Associate Professor ,Oluwadamilola Dada, on her part advised women to Start getting used to themselves, Make use of journals, if they don't like talking, Do not say "No" to opportunities, Seek for help, Expose yourself to knowledge and Seek for feedback. 

In her closing speech, Edidiong Akan, Chief Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, said;“As we draw the curtail on an extraordinary event today, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. The Bloom Weekend, brought by Stanbic IBTC, under the empowering theme “With her. For her” has truly lived up to the promise of celebrating, empowering and inspiring the remarkable women in our midst. “

She enjoined women to hold onto the inspiration, connections, and insights gained  believing that as women continue to stride towards future they would become leaders in weaving the socio-econonic fabric of our world."