Onome Amuge
The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) group, has partnered with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) for its 24th Annual Conference held recently at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Themed “Own. Walk. Nurture.”, the two-day conference brought together thought leaders, business executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore how women can lead authentically and sustainably in an evolving professional landscape.
Oluwasoromidayo George, NBC’s director of corporate affairs and sustainability, joined other accomplished women to discuss the evolving dynamics of leadership at a panel session titled “Leading from the Inside Out: Balancing Ambition, Vulnerability & Purpose.”
Drawing from her corporate and sustainability experience, George urged women to remain intentional, strategic, and authentic in navigating their career journeys. She emphasised that vulnerability and emotional intelligence are not weaknesses but essential leadership strengths that enhance connection, trust, and influence.
“When we talk about vulnerability, I would equate it to being open and confident at work; it draws connection and trust, especially when you engage with people of power and influence. Be authentic, stay true to yourself, and align your values wherever you find yourself. Be kind to yourself and to others. As a woman, you have to show up, and you have to show up good,”George said.
Beyond thought leadership, NBC also took tangible action to support women entrepreneurs. During the conference, the company awarded N1 million grants each to Toyibah Shehu Mohammed of FarhM’s Food and Sauce Global Limited and Helen Gabriel of Ogy’s Cakes, who emerged winners of the WIMBIZ Entrepreneurship Masterclass.
The beneficiaries were recognised for their innovation, resilience, and potential to generate economic and social impact through their businesses. In their remarks, they expressed appreciation to NBC for its continuous support of female entrepreneurship and for creating opportunities that enable women to scale their enterprises.
Presenting the grants, Jolomi Fawehinmi, NBC’s People & Culture director, reiterated the company’s belief in the transformative role of women-led businesses in driving inclusive growth.
“At NBC, we believe that women-led businesses contribute immensely to the economy, and when that happens, communities also thrive. To every woman who participated in the Entrepreneurship Masterclass, you have already demonstrated your commitment to growth, excellence, and impact,” Fawehinmi said.
