Electricity distribution company Ikeja Electric has joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to gender inclusion, mentorship, and the advancement of women within the organisation and society.
The event, held as a hybrid session and themed “Give to Gain,” spotlighted the role of generosity, mentorship and collaboration in fostering sustainable growth for individuals, organisations and communities.
The celebration featured notable speakers in
From left to right, Mrs. Ogochukwu Onyelucheya, Chief Commercial Officer, Ikeja Electric, Mrs. Jane Ezezobor, a Marketing Communications and Brand Experience Professional, Mrs. Folake Soetan, Chief Executive Office, Ikeja Electric, Dr. Odiri Oginni, Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Asset Management Limited and Mrs. Morenike Molehin, CEO, Oak & Teak Interiors at Ikeja Electric’s 2026 International Women’s Day conference held in Lagos.
cluding Chidi Onyedika, Jane Ezezobor, Odiri Oginni, and Morenike Molehin, who shared personal experiences and insights with participants described as the company’s “electricity Amazons.”
In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan, celebrated the achievements of women within the organisation while challenging them to reflect on the importance of giving back.
She urged participants to consider whether someone had once opened doors for them and whether they were doing the same for others.
“At different points in our lives, someone gave so that we could gain,” she said. “The question we must ask ourselves today is: are we doing the same for others? The women who build things that last do not do so by keeping everything to themselves—they grow by sharing credit, sponsoring others and creating room for more people to succeed.”
Chairman of the Board of Ikeja Electric, Kola Adesina, in his goodwill message, praised the strength and influence of women, drawing from an African proverb about the palm tree that rises by lifting itself upward.
According to him, women uplift not only themselves but also their families, communities and nations through resilience, generosity and leadership.
“When women give knowledge, societies gain enlightenment; when women give passion, humanity gains healing; and when women give leadership, the future gains direction,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Oak and Teak Interiors, Morenike Molehin, emphasised the importance of self-love and authenticity as the foundation for meaningful contribution. She advised women to value themselves, maintain healthy boundaries and pursue visibility so their talents and voices can create impact.
“You cannot pour into others from a place of emptiness,” she noted, adding that confidence and clarity enable women to uplift others and create lasting change.
Marketing communications and brand experience professional Jane Ezezobor encouraged women to focus on measurable impact in their careers by clearly communicating their value, documenting achievements and cultivating internal advocates who can support their growth.
“Leadership is not simply about working hard; it is about creating impact and improving the system for those who come after you,” she said.
Health expert and Chief Executive Officer of NEM Health Limited, Chidi Onyedika, also highlighted the importance of prioritising women’s health.
He stressed that although women often carry the responsibility of caring for others, they must also safeguard their physical, mental and reproductive wellbeing to sustain families and communities.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Asset Management Limited, Odiri Oginni, underscored the importance of financial independence, urging women to understand their personal balance sheets, calculate their net worth and invest intentionally.
“Income may provide comfort and a certain lifestyle, but true freedom comes from building wealth through disciplined investing and financial resilience,” she said.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by Ikeja Electric to continue implementing initiatives that empower women, promote professional development and strengthen a culture where collaboration and inclusion drive sustainable growth.
