Okonjo-Iweala joins Dangote Group to mark Women’s Day, as staff celebrate in Abuja, Obajana

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), last week, joined the Dangote Women’s Network virtually for its International Women’s Day celebration, themed “Rise to Gain.”

She described the interaction as “Great discussion on institutionalising approach that can help improve gender equality and help women rise.”

In her social media post on X, Okonjo-Iweala, wrote that she was pleased to join: “A thousand staff of the Dangote Group and the Dangote Women’s Network for their International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “Rise to Gain.”

The cerebration brought together female employees and management staff to reflect on the theme of the year and the transformative role women play in society.

At the events in Abuja and Obajana, Kogi State, speakers said women remained central to the success of the Dangote Group, noting that the organisation continues to create opportunities for women to thrive professionally while contributing meaningfully to national development.

The gatherings showed the company’s commitment to gender inclusion, leadership development and a workplace environment where women can grow and excel.

In her remarks in Abuja, Fatima Wali-Abdulrraan, Regional Director/Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, described women as pillars of stability whose influence extends far beyond the workplace, noting that women serve as the backbone of families and communities, acting as agents of social cohesion whose nurturing spirit and resilience continue to sustain societies even in challenging times.

She said: “The Dangote Group recognises that investing in women is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic pathway to sustainable development.

“Women bring dedication, empathy and strong leadership values into organisations, helping to strengthen corporate culture and deepen community relations.”

At the Obajana event, Rumana Azad, wife of the Plant Director, delivered an inspiring message, centered on the theme “Give to Gain,” urging women to embrace generosity, kindness and mutual support as pathways to growth and fulfilment.

She explained that simple acts of giving often yield powerful rewards in life and society.

“When we give kindness, we gain peace of mind; when we give support, we build trust and strong relationships; and when we give respect, we receive dignity in return,” stressing that compassion and solidarity among women can transform communities.

Azad equally pointed out that love, patience, encouragement and forgiveness were seeds capable of producing enduring results in families and workplaces.

“When we give hope, we find strength in difficult times, and when we support another woman, we build a stronger sisterhood,” she noted.

Emphasising the deeper message behind the theme, she stated that the principle of giving reflects a universal truth.

“The more goodness we give to the world, the more goodness comes back to us. When women give strength and support to each other, we do not just change our own lives, we change the world,” she said.

Also speaking, Odunola Olarewaju, Women Lead Champion of Dangote Cement, Obajana, expressed gratitude to God and to the company’s leadership for creating a platform that recognizes the strength and achievements of women.

She described the Dangote women as dedicated professionals who continue to perform their duties with excellence and integrity.

She said: “The female workforce remains resilient, hardworking and result-driven, contributing immensely to the operational success of the company.’

Olarewaju also appreciated the support of male allies within the organisation, noting that their encouragement and openness have helped promote gender inclusion and equal opportunities in the workplace.

She expressed the optimism that with continued support, more women would rise to occupy managerial and executive positions within the company.

Reflecting on the meaning of the “Give to Gain” theme, she encouraged women to adopt a culture of intentional giving, sharing skills, offering encouragement and opening doors for others, noting that every act of kindness or mentorship planted today becomes a seed for future progress.

In his remarks, Azeez Adeniyi, head of Human Asset and Administration at Dangote Cement Plc Obajana, said women play critical role in building stable families and strong societies, noting that despite rising economic pressures, many women continue to manage household finances, care for children and elderly relatives, and still contribute economically, demonstrating remarkable leadership that often begins at home.

He equally explained that women carry what he described as the “invisible economy of care,” serving simultaneously as caregivers, mentors, planners and professionals.

He said: “These same qualities: collaboration, emotional intelligence, problem-solving and strategic thinking, are brought into the workplace, where women enrich organisations and strengthen institutional performance.”