The Podium Lekki was alive with the vibrant energy of women from diverse backgrounds, gathered for the highly anticipated DANG Women Fest 2024 hosted by the empowering online community, Diary of a Naija Girl.
The event, spearheaded by Ifedayo Agoro, a former oil and gas executive turned founder of Diary of a Naija Girl and CEO of DANG Lifestyle, carried the theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion and Breaking the Norms,’ striking a chord with attendees from all walks of life.
Inside the venue, over 800 women filled the space, including prominent figures from society, career leaders, entrepreneurs, mothers, and students. This gathering represented a celebration of diversity and empowerment, with Ifedayo Agoro highlighting the importance of celebrating women from all backgrounds and providing them with opportunities to thrive.
The festival’s keynote speaker, Adesua Dozie, Vice Chairman of Exxon Mobil Nigeria, delivered a powerful address emphasising the crucial role of women in leadership and the necessity for more female representation across various sectors. She stressed the need for inclusive policies and encouraged women to make themselves “includeable” through competence, merit, character, and discipline.
Throughout the day, the event featured engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions covering a wide array of topics. Influential figures like Uche Pedro, CEO of BellaNaija, Hilda Baci, founder of Hilda Foods, and Hawa Lawal, known as Iyawo Kabiru, shared inspiring stories of resilience and success in their respective fields. The discussions ranged from personal finance and career development to mental wellness and self-care, catering to the diverse interests and industries represented by the attendees.
The festival was more than just insightful discussions; it was a celebration of womanhood and achievement. Live performances by Niniola and DJ sets by Ms DSF added a touch of entertainment, while meet-and-greets with inspiring women provided an opportunity for attendees to network and gain insights from established leaders.
Outside the main sessions, the atmosphere was abuzz with activity. Attendees indulged in special henna applications, palm wine tasting, and digital video experiences, creating a holistic and immersive event. Olive Emodi, an MC and broadcast journalist, expertly orchestrated the festivities, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for everyone present.
The success of the DANG Women Fest 2024 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors like 5Alive, Woodhall Capital, Guinness, Dang Lifestyle, and Kafe Fresco, along with contributions from partners such as BellaNaija, Document Women, Aura by Transcorp, and Shuttlers. This collaborative effort underscored the spirit of community and solidarity among women.
In her opening address, Ifedayo Agoro shared her personal journey and the fulfilment she found in creating Diary of a Naija Girl. She expressed gratitude to the community for their support and encouraged attendees to embrace joy and maintain peace of mind despite life’s challenges.
The festival marked a significant milestone for the Diary of a Naija Girl community, bringing together women who had interacted online for years in a physical space. The excitement was palpable as women cheered for their favourite social media influencers and leaders they had only known virtually.
Adesua Dozie’s keynote speech resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the progress made by women globally while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Her message of courage, resilience, and self-belief inspired attendees to dream big and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
As the day unfolded, attendees engaged in interactive sessions with community leaders and influencers, exchanging ideas and forging connections that would extend beyond the festival. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and camaraderie, with women from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate their achievements and support each other’s journeys.
The DANG Women Fest 2024 was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. It provided a platform for women to celebrate their diversity, share their stories, and inspire one another to break barriers and defy norms. Through insightful discussions, captivating performances, and meaningful interactions, the festival left a lasting impression, fueling the attendees’ drive to pursue their dreams and create positive change in their communities.