Oluchi Chibuzor
 

The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has called on women professionals to more deliberately leverage their networks, build resilience, and strengthen mentorship pathways as part of a broader effort to cultivate innovative leadership across Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors.

This message resonated strongly at the institute’s maiden Women’s Roundtable held yesterday in Lagos, a forum designed to elevate the voice, visibility and influence of women in risk management, governance and enterprise development.

Speaking at the event, CRMI Chairman of Council, Kevin Ugwuoke, said the roundtable held under the theme “Resilient Leadership: Stories of Resilience, Adaptability and Innovation” goes beyond a symbolic gathering and is designed to “ignite possibilities” for women leading in complex and rapidly evolving sectors.

According to him, “This platform is to celebrate women who are shaping industries, influencing policy, transforming organisations, and leading with resilience, innovation, and vision. The theme of this roundtable reminds us that when women rise, industries strengthen, when women lead, societies thrive; and when women are equipped and empowered, nations prosper. We believe strongly that the future of risk management must be inclusive, diverse, collaborative, and bold and women are critical drivers of that future.”

On her part, the President, Woodhall Capital, Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, called for the women to become more resilient in their pursuit as innovation remains a thing of the mindset.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Women’s Group, Chartered Institute of Directors, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, encouraged participants to know when to “pivot their career while being open to innovation and leveraging their network to change the career, landscape of resilience and governance in their respective sectors.”

Furthermore, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged the significant role CRMI is in ensuring effective risk management, from mitigating financial risks to navigating complex regulatory frameworks, which is crucial to Nigeria’s growth and development.

Represented by the Wife of Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology. Lagos State and Member, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs Omoleye Alake, she said: “In the same vein, I acknowledge your unwavering commitment in initiating this forum for a remarkable group of women who are making waves in the risk management sector, in line with the government’s quest in ensuring that a more equitable and safe society is provided for women.

“I am convinced that this forum will provide an avenue for women, break down barriers, create opportunities, and ensure that women have a prominent seat at the table in all sectors, particularly, risk management.”

She charged participants to continue to be good mentors for other women and the younger women across the society noting that mentorship remains a key driver of women’s success.

“We must amplify mentorship and capacity-building programs that equip the next generation of women leaders with the tools to thrive in the global economy. Women helping women should be our collective mantra, we must ensure that young and aspiring female leaders have access to the right networks, skills, and resources to succeed,” she added.

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