By: Manoah Kikekon
IBA, OJO — LAGOS – In an era where success is frequently equated with personal accumulation and individual status, a transformative gathering of women in the Iba area of Ojo, Lagos, has proposed a radical shift in perspective. The International Women’s Day 2026 Summit, hosted by Deborah International Outreach, delivered a resounding message: the most potent form of leadership is rooted in the philosophy of "Giving to Gain."
The summit, held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, served as a high-impact forum for women across various professional and social strata. Organized to commemorate the global International Women’s Day season, the event focused on the premise that true influence is not seized, but earned through consistent service, mentorship, and community investment.
The convener of the summit, Bunmi Onilude, a respected advocate for female empowerment, opened the event with a stirring call to action. She challenged the participants to look beyond the immediate rewards of their careers and businesses, urging them instead to consider the long-term legacy of their contributions to society.
According to Mrs. Onilude, the "Give to Gain" theme is not merely a catchy slogan but a strategic approach to life and leadership. She emphasized that when women give whether it be their time, their expertise, or their resources they are essentially planting seeds for a future characterized by loyalty, influence, and collective prosperity.
The summit addressed a critical gap in modern leadership training: the "Otherish" approach to support. Speakers argued that the traditional "winner-takes-all" mentality is becoming obsolete in a world that increasingly values collaboration and social responsibility.
"Giving is an investment that yields gains such as loyalty, support, and influence," Onilude stated during her keynote address. She noted that women who prioritize uplifting others often find themselves naturally elevated to positions of greater authority and respect within their communities.
A significant portion of the summit was dedicated to the importance of mentorship. Notable women leaders who joined the convener on stage shared personal anecdotes of how their willingness to mentor younger colleagues had eventually opened doors for their own advancement.
The speakers stressed that the future of Lagos and Nigeria at large depends on a generation of women who are willing to "pay it forward." By investing in the development of younger women today, the participants were told they are securing a more stable and responsible society for the generations to follow.
The summit moved beyond theoretical concepts, offering practical advice on how women can lead within their specific spheres of influence. Whether in the boardroom, the marketplace, or the home, attendees were encouraged to use their unique voices to advocate for positive change.
"You are not just individuals pursuing a paycheck," one speaker noted. "You are catalysts of change. Your smallest act of compassion can be the spark that inspires hope in a neighbor or a colleague." This focus on "micro-leadership" resonated with many attendees who felt empowered to start making changes in their immediate environments.
The event also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of female-led generosity. When women lead with a heart for service, the ripple effect is felt in improved community health, better educational outcomes for children, and more resilient local economies.
The participants were urged to see their businesses and careers not just as means of survival, but as platforms for community building. By integrating service into their professional lives, the women of Ojo are positioning themselves as the backbone of a "Greater Lagos" vision.
As the summit progressed, the atmosphere in Iba shifted from one of quiet reflection to vibrant energy. Many participants expressed that they had arrived at the event feeling burnt out by the pressures of modern life, but were leaving with a renewed sense of purpose.
"This summit has reminded me that my value isn't just in what I achieve, but in who I help," said one participant during a breakout session. This sentiment was echoed by many, who saw the "Give to Gain" philosophy as a remedy for the isolation and competition that often characterize the professional world.
As the world continues to celebrate the achievements of women this March, the gathering in Lagos stood out for its focus on character-based leadership. While other events focused on policy or technology, the Deborah International Outreach summit went back to the basics of human connection and ethics.
The event served as a poignant reminder that empowered women remain the most powerful force for societal transformation. When that power is channeled through the lens of generosity, the potential for growth is limitless.
The summit concluded with a clear summary of the "Gains" mentioned in the theme. These include: Loyalty: People are more likely to support leaders who have invested in them.
Influence: Authority is more effectively exercised when it is backed by a track record of service.
Legacy: True success is measured by the number of lives a leader has positively impacted.