Yudala, leading composite e-commerce company, joined forces with Africa’s most popular blogger, Linda Ikeji to empower thousands of female participants at the inaugural edition of Linda Ikeji’s Self Made Woman Conference held on Saturday April 22nd 2017 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

For the many gathered in the Ball Room of the expansive hotel, it was an experience worth savouring.

From the professional anchoring of Forbes Africa Correspondent, Peace Hyde through a plethora of inspirational sessions delivered by notable female personalities including Kemi Adetiba, Omoni Oboli, Tara Durotoye, SP Dolapo Badmos, Folusho Badamosi, Dr. Ola Orekunrin and Linda Ikeji herself, it was an empowerment session par excellence’.

In addition to providing a unique opportunity for participants to network with and learn first-hand from the facilitators, the well-attended event also provided a chance for many to submit their business proposals for funding.

The entertainment fare was equally top-notch as singer, Seyi Shay and comediennes Lolo 1 and Mandy took turns to thrill the audience with electrifying performances.

The event, which saw Linda Ikeji recount her thorny path to success, kicked off on a fitting note with a mentally-stimulating talk from Dr. Ola Orekunrin; medical doctor, helicopter pilot, healthcare entrepreneur and founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa's first Air Ambulance.

Encouraging participants to strive for financial independence, she urged them to take bold steps with the phrase – ‘Take It’ – and through which she doled out the sum of N200,000 to a participant, Nkechi Ejimkonye. Ejimkonye was the first to get to Dr. Ola when she raised an envelope and asked for a willing beneficiary to come for it. She was surprised to see almost all the participants still sitting and raising their hands while the beneficiary was among the few that stood to reach the speaker and eventually got the cash reward. Dr. Ola also announced her Double Initiative Scheme to empower women in financial need.

Filmmaker and video director, Kemi Adetiba, on her part, shared 12 life principles that went a long way in helping her achieve success in her chosen field of endeavour. Among these 12 principles, participants were advised to always plan ahead, put dreams into action, excel in every given opportunity, avoid distractions, keep friends of like minds, be an inspiration and make their works speak to the world.

For another film maker and actress, Omoni Oboli for whom the event coincided with her birthday, her lucid recollection of her career experiences and struggles in life was her own way of motivating the audience. Urging the participants to treat people with love and respect, she counselled on the need to learn the nitty-gritty of a business or trade instead of the tricks of the trade.

With a multimedia interlude from Yudala proving a useful side attraction, Head of Offline Retail, Oyeronke Atoyebi painted a glowing picture of the Yudala revolution, the company’s impressive business roadmap and wide-ranging product bouquet including its fashion category which caters to the taste and needs of many fashion-savvy females. The occasion also presented a unique opportunity for many attendees to learn more and take advantage of the on-going Yudala Triple Jara promotion which offers a free gift on every purchase, free delivery and the chance to buy and pay later with zero interest.

After a powerful presentation by Mrs. Folusho Gbadamosi titled ‘The Power of You’, Linda Ikeji revealed plans for the airing of Linda Ikeji TV on DSTV in a couple of months as well as a reality TV show in Ajegunle. She charged participants to choose God over man and always seek to maintain their dignity.

Linda gave credit to her mother who was also present at the event for seeing her and six other siblings through life in Mushin, noting that: “Life is not just about luxury but impact in the society and this is one of the steps I have taken in choosing to give N10 million to 15 ladies to run their various businesses."

Make-up entrepreneur and pioneer, Mrs. Tara Durotoye was also on ground to inspire young ladies. Harping on the need to see art of make-up as a lucrative business venture, the beauty entrepreneur gave a simple illustration on the ABCDE of the life of a successful woman. (A-ccept, B-elieve, C-ompare Not, D-evelop, E-mpower). She advised ladies to marry well but not to see marriage as priority.

Just like the Biblical wedding at Cana in Galilee where it seemed the best wine was reserved for the end of the event, Police Superintendent, Dolapo Badmos gave participants the complete dose of motivational tips in a superb presentation tagged "4 Ps to success". The PPRO of Zone A gave comprehensive and practical ways to achieve success through Purpose, Passion, Professionalism and Productivity. Her anecdote-filled presentation delivered with a huge dose of wit and hilarity had the participants roaring with laughter and surely left good memories in the minds of all gathered.

The event also had in attendance secondary school girls from Fountain Height School, Adelabu; Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja; Vivian Fowler Memorial School, Ikeja; Unique Heights, Magodo and Miketoy Schools, Alimosho.

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