FORMER first female Director-General, Nigerian/Stock Exchange (NSE), Professor (Mrs) Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, former first female Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele -Williams, First female President of the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande were among top 10 lady-professionals, honoured by the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON), in Lagos.
Speaking at the Induction and Investiture Ceremony, the Founder and Chairman of Council of the foundation, Chief Dipo Bailey, explained that the women were being honoured for being leading lights in their chosen careers by being pioneer female presidents in their professional bodies.
He added that the foundation was set up to enhance professionalism, for the nation’s economic development, by recognising professionals who have excelled in their professions, while also celebrating non-professionals, who have assisted, through their conglomerates, to build professionals.
While charging the younger generation to emulate the honourees, by being professional in their chosen careers, Chief Bailey stated that one of the foundation’s plans is to fraternise with the professional ladies sector of institutes, associations and societies, with a view to forming a formidable women sector of the foundation.
Delivering a lecture at the event, former Director General of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Prof. (Mrs) Ndi Okereke–Onyiuke advised every practitioner to be professional in whatever field such practitioners find themselves.
She argued that for the nation’s economy to experience the much-needed growth, professionalism should be key; since it helps practitioners keep to the rules and ethics guiding their professions.
While commending the Foundation for deeming it fit to celebrate some Nigerian women that had carved a niche for themselves in their chosen careers, the former NSE boss however advised the younger ones to emulate those being celebrated by the Foundation since their achievements had gone a long way in enhancing the status of the feminine gender in the society.
Some honourees at the event include: the first Female President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi; first Female President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omoba Priscilia Kuye,; first Lady President, Institute of Directors, Chief(Mrs). Toyin Olakunrin; First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Justice (Chief) Folake Solanke and First Female President of The Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria, Chief Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande.
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