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History was made at the maiden edition if the ELOY Conference. The ELOY Conference took place on Wednesday November 13, 2019 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The event kicked off with an opening prayer led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo. The theme of the conference was “Empower Her to Sustain Her”.

The convener of the event, Mrs. Tewa Onasanya welcomed the attendees and encouraged them to push themselves harder and always know that they can achieve everything they set out to do. Dr. (Mrs) Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, representing the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Her Excellency, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefuleri delivered the keynote speech where she spoke about how important women empowerment is and the benefits of gender equality.

Speaking on the first panel were Solape Hammond, Ini Abimbola, Yinka Fisher and Tale Alimi where they discussed ‘The Importance of Sustaining Women Empowerment’. This panel was moderated by Mrs. Tewa Onasanya.

The second panel featured Ommo Clark, Lola Ekugo, Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, Jones Bassey and Layole Oyatogun as the moderator; they discussed the panel topic “Using Technology and Digital Media to your advantage”.

Samantha Turner-Girard, Damilola Owolabi, Olori Ajayi and Eno Essien were panelists for the third panel and their topic focused on “Habits of Successful Business owners”.

The fourth panel with the topic “Becoming Aware of Unconscious Gender Bias” had Kamil Owofolajo, Charles O’Tudor and Charles Odii speaking with Toyosi Etim-Effiong.

The final panelists were Mary Akpobome, Fatima Olajumoke, Lucky Idike, Chris Oputa and Teju Abisoye. They dissected “How to Access Finance for a Business – Determining your company’s financial needs”.

Janet Adetu held the first master class where she focused on the importance of etiquettes as an individual which transcends to a business.

Abiola Adediran’s master class emphasized why there should be a definite structure in every business.

Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye took the master class on “Sustaining your Workforce” where she implored all business owners to pay attention to their employees.

Charles O’Tudor’s master class tagged, “Branding and advertising that works” suggested ways to a successful branding and advertising experience in the final masterclass.

The highlight of the conference was the business pitch competition where 6 finalists were thoroughly drilled by the judges. They commended their business ideas which encouraged Mrs. Mary Akpobome to offer a sum of 250,000 Naira each to all six finalists. In addition, Engr. Chris Oputa promised one of the finalists a life-changing business opportunity. This also encouraged Charles O’Tudor to offer them intensive 3 months branding services. Michael Musa of Africa Business Radio with media presence in over 35 countries pledged to support the finalists with free media publicity for their brands.

Mrs Tewa Onasanya mentioned that the winner of the grant will be announced on the awards night and ascertained that the ELOY team is ready to ensure that whoever wins the money will be strictly monitored for proper management and of the funds.