The Thriving Business Women Foundation (TBWF) has announced the maiden edition of its Influencer Conference, a bold new initiative aimed at helping women in Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector move from managing to leading, and from surviving to scaling sustainably.
Themed ‘Grow,’ the conference will take place on October 24, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners to advance women’s entrepreneurship and leadership across Africa.
According to Mayokun Oreofe, Convener of the Conference and Founder of TBWF, the initiative was born from her 19 years of experience supporting women entrepreneurs who, despite creativity and resilience, often face systemic barriers that hinder sustainable growth.
“Women are not short of ideas or drive,” Oreofe said during a press briefing in Lagos. “What they often lack is structure, access, and the right support system. That’s why the Influencer Conference was created – to help women grow sustainably.”
Oreofe explained that the theme ‘Grow’ symbolizes the transition from talent to capacity, capacity to economic power, and ultimately, influence. The conference, she noted, is not just an event but the beginning of a movement designed to transform women into catalysts of business and social impact.
Beyond the Event: The Influencer Leadership Institute
TBWF will also unveil the Influencer Leadership Institute, a mentoring and training hub that will provide women with ongoing leadership exposure, entrepreneurial competence, and peer-driven community support.
“Influencer is not just a conference – it’s a growth pipeline,” Oreofe said. “We’re creating a structure where women don’t just get inspired; they remain visible, capable, and scalable.”
Oreofe emphasized that while women-led MSMEs represent over 40 percent of Nigeria’s small businesses, only a few successfully transition from micro to medium scale due to limited access to funding, mentorship, and structure.
Partners and Speakers Driving Change
The conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Sam Adeyemi, renowned leadership coach; Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara International; Dr. Niyi Adesanya, CEO of FifthGear Plus Consulting; Morenike Molehin, Founder of Oak & Teak Interiors; and Seye Olurotimi, Founder of MSME Africa.
Each speaker was chosen to reflect the conference’s focus on leadership and growth rather than survival and management.
Oreofe commended Wema Bank, through its women-focused product “Sara by Wema,” for partnering with the conference and sponsoring participants who couldn’t afford tickets. The Bank of Industry (BOI) also joined as a strategic partner, promoting its women-focused loan product “Glue.”
“This isn’t a grant event,” Oreofe clarified. “It’s a connection hub linking women to verified financial resources, mentorship, and access to capital that fits their growth journey.”
Additional empowerment partners include Studio 24, Blooms Soft Furnishing & Gifts, Ubana Grill House, Deol Events, Posh Homewares, and Green Essence, among others.
Creating Balance, Not Competition
Addressing questions about the event’s focus on women, Oreofe said: “My calling is specifically to women. Men still dominate about 60 percent of MSMEs. This isn’t about competition – it’s about balance and empowerment where it’s needed most.”
Registration for the conference is ongoing, both physically and online, with tickets priced at N120,000 (regular) and N200,000 (VIP). The event begins at 10:00 AM, with participants expected to be seated by 9:00 AM.
Oreofe concluded with a message of empowerment: “When a woman grows, everything around her grows – her enterprise, her family, and ultimately, the economy. The Influencer Conference is just the beginning of that transformation.”
With its blend of leadership insights, mentorship opportunities, and tangible access to financial tools, the Influencer Conference stands as one of Nigeria’s most promising platforms for women-led enterprise development.
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