It was indeed a fruitful weekend as Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, hosted women to its annual Bloom Weekend at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State on Saturday 27th, 2024.
The highly anticipated event started exactly by 8.30am with a Yoga session led by Yasmin.
The Yoga instructor took the women who came out on their different sport wears on various fitness routines.
Also, on the other corner was a trade fair session where participants shouldwere allowed to showcase their goods and products.
Anchoring the Ladies At The Table Empowerment Series (LATTES) is Ayo Mairo-Ese, a multiple award-winning Broadcaster. She commenced the session by 10.30am as she gave some of the attendees opportunity to talk about their businesses.
The host said 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.
The Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mrs. Nike Bajomo, while giving the opening speech, welcomed all the participants to this year’s Bloom Weekend.
She said;“It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you all to our annual and highly anticipated Bloom Weekend thoughtfully brought to you by your preferred end-to-end financial solution partner – Starbucks IBTC. This year, we are proud to have you at our gathering themed “With her For her”.”
“As we covene at the Landmark Event Center today, our primary goal is to celebrate, empower and inspire women with our vibrant Blue Bloom community. I assure you we have a lot lined up to enable you to have a fabulous time.”
“As part of the activities marking the first Bloom Weekend, the Ladies at the Table Empowerment Series (LATTES) stands out as a landmark event dedicated to forging meaningful connections and fostering growth. This annual roundtable is more than just an event. It is a strategic gathering to enhance brand relationships with existing patrons and potential customers. It also serves as vibrant arena for impactful conversations.”
“This year, very distinguished personalities will be will be joining me in meaningful conversations for the advancement of women, including our keynote speaker, Mrs. Bunnies Oke, a seasoned professional and the CEO of Ladybird Advertising. Our panelists – Dr. Olaide Omotoaho-Ikuru, a medical practitioner with a focus on women’s health, Oluwadamilola Dada, a respected Associate Director of PWC; and Eugene Abu, a celebrated on-air-personality and broadcaster. Each panelist is poised to bring a unique perspective to our theme, “With her, for Her”, enriching the discussion with their diverse experiences and insights.”
“The essence of Bloom Weekend and LATTES is empowerment, 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 womeb 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 womeb 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 womeb with the tools, knowledge and community to turn their inspiration into tangible success.”
“Your presence here today signifies a shared vision and a common goal – to herald a future where women are not just participants but leaders shaping the socio-econonic fabric of our world. As we embark on this enriched journey together, let us remain open to the possibilities that this weekend promises.”
“Thank you all for attending and making this event significant with your presence.”
The host introduced the first speaker of the event, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, CEO/Consultant, Ladybird Limited to the podium. Mrs. Oke started by asking the participants if they realised that they are privilege women, she noted that the reason is because they went to school.
She urged the women to learn to support each other. She said when you help others, other people will help you too. However, she advised the participants to join the community of women. She asked if it is easy to be a woman, and the crowd chorused “NO!”
Mrs. Oke highlighted on the importance of women helping other women. She said women should strive to share knowledge, experience and real milestones, emphasizing on the importance of the Bloom Weekend forum.
She admonished the women, saying; “You are the MD of your life, You are the one in charge of your 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 Broadcast Journalist and Media Consultant; Nike Folagbade, a Family Life Coach and Councellor; third panelist, Olaide Omotosho-Ikuru, Medical Practitioner, Health Kinect Clinic and Oluwadamilola Dada, Associate Director, PWC.
Also, among the panelist is the Exective Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Nike Bajomo.
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. She advised that women should be open to learning. She urged women to love themselves.
In her words; “Pamper yourself, give yourself a flower, massage yourself” She said marrying a wrong man, could jeopadise woman’s career. “Marry your friends,” she advised.
Oluwadamilola Dada, on her part advised women to seek help whenever they see the need, adding that women are emotional. She urged women to seek the services of a therapist when they feel emotionally down.
She also said women should learn to serve.
However, Nike Bajomo, advised the women to be prudent in their spending. She enjoined women to have partners like Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers and Asset Management.
Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Demola Sogunle joined the panelists in a photo session.
Edidiong Akan, Chief Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, gave the closing speech.
She said;“As we draw the curtail on an extraordinary event today, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. The Bloom Weekend, brought to you 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. “
“Reflecting on the enriching discussions, vibrant connections and ideas that have been flowed freely these past few hours, it is clear that we have created something far beyond a mere event, we have ignited a movement a collective pledge to support and uplift women in their personal and professional endeavours.”
“Our distinguished keynote speaker and panelists have not only shares their expertise but have also opened doors to new perspectives abs possibilities. Their contributions have been instrumental in steering the conversations towards actionable insighta ans empowering narratives.”
“The Ladies At The Table Empowerment Series (LATTES), a key highlight of our Bloom Weekend, underlined the importance of strategic connections and brand relationships, it stood as proof of our commitment not just to discuss empowerment but to live it, bridging the gap between aspirations and tangible achievements for women.”
“As we conclude, let me remind you that the journey does not end here. The connections made, the lessons learned, and the stories shared are seeds that have been planted. We must nurture these seeds into a blooming garden of opportunities, achievements and legacy.”
“I urge each and everyone of us to carry the spirit of ‘With her. For her’ into our lives, work and community. Let us continue advocating for woemen’s empowerment, changing equality, and breaking barriers. Together, we can turn aspirations into tangible successes, not just for ourselves but for women across the globe.”
“On behalf of Stanbic IBTC, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every participant, speaker and supporter who has made Bloom Weekend an unforgettable experience. Your passion, engagement and commitment have transformed this event into a milestone in our ongoing quest for empowerment, achievement and success for all women.”
“As we part ways, let us hold onto the inspiration, connections, and insights we have gained. May they guide our steps and strengthen our resolve as we continue to make strides towards a future where women are not just participants but leaders in weaving the socio-econonic fabric of our world.”
“Thank you all, let us look forward to even greater heights at the next Bloom Weekend, safe travels and until we meet again, keep blooming.”
