Being a Woman at The Dangote Women Network.

October 7^th, 2016 will be a day that I would always remember. Let me get started.

I am not really a girly girl, I avoid events meant for women as much as I can, I have not had female close friends, and I shy away from anyone who tends to be too friendly for my liking.

I am in Core Sales my SBU is Dangote Cement (I am an Area Sales Manager).

I intentionally missed the launch, because it was not in my comfort Zone, too many women in one room.

So why did I come this time around?

The first email was on the 8^th of September 2016, from Corporate Communications announcing the Event, curiously I clicked on the link which went to SharePoint (I have not had the opportunity to use SharePoint before, so you can imagine my excitement in using this mystery tool) On the landing page, I read a very sweet but strong welcome message, from Halima and Fatima, My heart literally bursts with glee, "Wow" I say, muttering to myself , quickly I try to register for the event, but I got error messages. So I mentally added it to my task list.

Sincerely, I had forgotten about the event and 21^st September, Corporate Communications sends this, what a reminder.



Done Deal! I am going!

I tell my husband {Ali) I would be going to this event, I see the surprise in his eyes, "but you never do Women Events?" he asks, I smile back "this feels different I reply" my daughters are as excited as I am when I share the news with them, The Dangote Sisters are likened to Pop Stars in my house. "Please get a picture mum, if not an autograph." (In my doubtful voice I answer) "I will try"

October 7^th,2016




I pick up a friend at Berger, and off to our Big day out.

We got to the Venue, with the aid of Google Maps (another first for me.)

I quickly take in the atmosphere, I notice the white Land cruiser, "The Ladies are early, interesting." I say to myself.

I take selfies and head to the registration table, "So organised" I say to myself.

The Venue was simply Beautiful.

The Event began quickly, and Dangote Cement opens. (Pretty Woman, Nike Sanni-Adebayo) With a warm voice, she sits us in.

Introductions are done nicely, and alas I see the "Super Women" I hold myself tightly and say to myself "just be strong, do not be intimidated, you are getting there"

The President's speech was so warm, inspiring and I understood clearly why my Regional Directors were always pushing for targets to be achieved, you cannot listen to the President and not be inspired to success.

Halima Dangote walks up.

Friendly, sincere and truthful. I listened carefully to her, her voice was clear, and steady, (pride feels my heart) Surprisingly she goes straight to what's hurting the women most, I am proud to be a Nigerian woman, there is hope.

Halima gives us a clear picture, explaining that Women are up the ladder, and there is room for more.

My connection was strongest when she mentioned Nannies to be a mixed breed, (She is human, if she can have Nanny drama, why am I feeling sad?)

I remember when we were trying to take pictures, she was dragged and pulled, but she had a smile all through the ordeal but was firm when required.

I was inspired to be a better person.

I loved the Speakers, each gave me a recap of knowledge I had known, Inspiration to be the best version of me. Life is not perfect, but I will try to juggle the act of living my dreams. I enjoyed the Lotus Presentation and the practicability of investment.

To conclude the day, Fatima closes the event gracefully.

I had fun.

My Take home:

1. Be the best version of me.


2. Being the best version will ensure tomorrow.


3. Constantly achieve your set goals.


4. Women are friends and allies and have as much on their plates as I do.


5. We all have battles, so be friendly and help as much as you can.


6. Career goals and personal goals can be achieved side by side.


7. Overcome your fears.


8. You can have it all, Marriage, Career, and Personal Achievement.


9. Wealth and success are relative, determine your standards.


10. Be realistic with my Lifestyle but also enjoy myself.

I got the picture I promised my daughters..

I look forward to the Walk in December 2016.

[caption id="attachment_913" align="alignnone" width="1115"] Oyindamola Soyinka-Aikoye ; Halima Dangote; Faith Ayanda.[/caption]

[gallery ids="911,909,907,908,890,889,888,904,903,906" type="columns" orderby="rand"]

[gallery ids="919,921,923,925,927,929,931,933,935,937,939,941,944,945,946" type="rectangular"]

credits to Rumbidzai Sithole ( Thanks a Million!)