by Blessing Bliss Chukwuma
The 3rd edition of the kilali Tribe Annual Conference was held in Port Harcourt on the 11th of September, 2024 at The Nook Hotels and Apartments events and conference center.
The Kilali Tribe is an all female inspirational platform comprising of top executives and phenomenal women dedicated to empowering and advancing women from all spheres in the Niger Delta.
The Theme of the conference was “ THE BALANCE ACT: NAVIGATING CAREER, BUSINESS, FAMILY AND PERSONAL GROWTH.
The conference saw inspiring array of seasoned speakers and panelists, powerful networking, special quests and unforgettable experiences.
Madam Ibukun Awosika was the Diamond Speaker, Dame Christie Toby the Keynote speaker, Engr Adokiye Tombomieye and Dr. Elizabeth Kings Wali were opening panelists and Madam Ivy Davies Etokakpan and Haoma Worgu, Panelists.
In the first session of discussion which was capitalized on the theme ‘The Balancing Act’, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye executive vice president Upstream NNPCL, spoke on the topic ‘Work-Life Integration: Balancing Career Ambitions with Personal Responsibilities. He narrated how he was was able to balance his personal, professional and marital life, the challenges he encountered and how he was able to navigate it all to become the man he is today achieving success all round.
On the other hand Dr. Elizabeth Kings Wali spoke on the feminine aspect of managing Work-Life Integration: Balancing Career Ambitions with Personal Responsibilities, she talked about how she was able to merge being a career woman, a wife and a mother.
The event provided a significant platform for discussions on achieving equilibrium in various aspects of life, an increasingly pertinent topic in today’s fast-paced world.
The Diamond speaker at the event was Dr. Ibukun Awosika and Dame Christie Toby, the Keynote speaker.
Dame Christie Toby took the stage as the keynote speaker, providing a compelling outlook of how individuals can effectively navigate their multifaceted roles. With a background steeped in leadership and social impact, Dame Toby captivated the attendees with stories from her life that reflected the theme of balance.
She spoke candidly about her trials and triumphs in undertaking multiple roles as a leader, mother, wife and advocate. Her journey illustrated that the pursuit of success in one area does not necessitate sacrificing others. “The journey of life is about making choices and understanding the consequences,” she noted, encouraging attendees to take ownership of their journeys. She highlighted the significance of setting boundaries to protect personal time and the necessity of self-care in maintaining overall well-being.
The Diamond speaker Dr. Ibukun Awosika, a distinguished business woman, seasoned motivational speaker and accomplished author, known for her impactful contributions across multiple sectors around the world as a beacon of inspiration provided remarkable insights drawn from her personal journey.
A trailblazer in the business world, she shared her experiences navigating the often-challenging waters of entrepreneurship and professional life whilst balancing family commitments. Her narrative emphasized the importance of self-belief, resilience, and strategic decision-making.
She delved into the complexities of managing a successful career alongside familial responsibilities, emphasizing that it’s not merely about achieving professional milestones, but also about nurturing relationships. “Success is a holistic journey,” she stated, encouraging the audience to be truthful to theirselves and to recognize that personal and professional growth are interconnected. She shared practical tips on time management and setting priorities, urging attendees to find their unique balance and to not shy away from seeking support from their community.
The conference also featured breakout sessions and panel discussions, were the COO and Editor in Chief of Eve Afrique News and Magazines shared her story of becoming.
Adding another layer to the Conference, Madam Ivy Davies Etokakpan shared her story of resilience and establishment inspiring attendees with her story. She recounted her journey from humble beginnings, detailing how her passion for storytelling and a desire to amplify Niger Delta voices led her to establish the magazine. “I started with a vision to create a platform that showcases the richness of our culture and addresses pressing issues,” she shared.
Madam Ivy’s tenacity and determination were evident as she described overcoming challenges and navigating the complexities of the media industry. She emphasized the importance of networking, continuous learning, and leveraging opportunities that came her way. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback,” she said, inspiring attendees to embrace their journeys with resilience.
Following Madam Ivy Davies Etokakpan, Haoma Worgu, a renowned Linkedin expert, took to the stage to share actionable strategies for maximizing the platform’s potential. Worgu highlighted the importance of building a strong personal brand and establishing a professional online presence. “Linkedin is not just a site; it’s a digital space where you can showcase your expertise. She stated.
She provided attendees with insightful tips on crafting compelling summaries, using visual content, and engaging authentically with connections. Don’t just be a bystander—be an active participant,” she urged.
In addition to inspiring talks, the Kilali Tribe conference served as a networking haven, with professionals from various fields connecting and exchanging ideas. This further enriched the participants’ experience, offering opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.
At the event special empowerment packages were given to qualifying women, whilst some women qualified to attend the prestigious Lagos business school, others qualified to be trained at MacTay Consulting Firm.
The matriarch of the Kilali Tribe Dr. Ibukun Awosika was also christened a Rivers Niger Delta woman at the event. she was named “ IBIWANGIBO” which means ‘one who is always ready to give of herself’.
The 3rd Annual Kilali Tribe Conference was a resounding success, leaving participants with valuable insights into navigating the intricacies of career, business, family, and personal growth. With Madam Ibukun Awosika and Dame Christie Toby leading the charge, attendees left inspired to not only pursue their goals but to find equilibrium in their lives.
