Events

Notes from TW Magazine’s “The Phoenix Gala: Celebrating Matriarchs & Protégés” Brunch

Published

13 years ago

October 7, 2011

Inspiration is difficult to quantify but it’s never overrated.

Being surrounded by so many amazing women who have excelled in varied fields from academia to entrepreneurship was such an inspiring experience!

A week ago, I attended the brunch event by TW Magazine celebrating the Matriarchs & Protégés of the Phoenix Gala. To celebrate its 4th anniversary, TW Magazine came up with a novel concept, tagged “The Phoenix Gala: Celebrating Matriarchs & Protégés” to honour great Nigerian women who have made tremendous contributions to shaping our society (Matriarchs), and to motivate the next generation of women who keep those legacies alive by continuing to explore, build, grow and expand in their respective fields (Proteges). Part of the Phoenix Gala programme was a champagne brunch at Medici in Lagos hosted by Veuve Clicquot.

I was incredibly honoured to be have been chosen as one of the proteges, specifically in the field of entrepreneurship. Running a sustainable, ethical and profitable business in Nigeria is challenging but as I looked around the room, I saw women who faced even more hurdles in their era yet they have excelled and paved the way for us, it was definitely a “lightbulb moment”.

Thanks to the Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Kemi Ogunleye and the entire TW Magazine team, our BN family (aka YOU!), Hajiya Farida Dankaka, Nehita and the BellaNaija team.

To my fellow entrepreneurs, we can do it!

Check out photos from the event and look out for BN’s coverage of the Phoenix Gala. This feature will include more information on the inspiring women who were honoured. Reading through the accomplishments of the matriarchs will definitely motivate you to stand up and do something special.

TW Magazine – Phoenix Gala – Matriarchs & Protégés
Social Activism: Late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola & Hafsat Abiola-Costello
Education: Prof. Grace Alele-Williams & Tosin Otitoju
Fashion: Shade Thomas Fahm & Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi
Music: Late Christy Essien-Igbokwe & Asa
Performing Arts: Joke Silva & Genevieve Nnaji
Business Entrepreneurship: Hajiya Farida Dankaka & Uche Eze
Corporate Nigeria: Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi & Joyce Uredi
Print Media: Mosun Gin-Dozier & Kemi Ogunleye
Broadcast Media: Bimbo Oloyede & Marian Anazodo
Events Management: Yewande Zacchaeus & Funke Bucknor-Obruthe