Joyce Mmereole Okoli
As part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day, SIFAX Group has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at empowering young girls, strengthening the capacity of its female workforce, and supporting vulnerable communities in Lagos.
The activities included a school mentorship programme, an employee empowerment webinar, and a community food distribution exercise, collectively impacting hundreds of beneficiaries across the state.
One of the key highlights was a mentorship outreach to United Christian Secondary School, where more than 500 female students received guidance from senior female professionals within the organisation. The mentorship session focused on leadership development, the importance of education, personal growth, and menstrual health awareness.
As part of the outreach, the company also donated textbooks, menstrual hygiene products, and perfumes to the students to support their academic and personal well-being.
During the session, the speakers shared experiences from their career journeys, encouraging the girls to remain focused on their education and avoid distractions. They stressed that determination, discipline, and self-confidence can unlock opportunities in fields such as business, law, medicine, technology, and the creative industry.
The Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, urged the students to pursue excellence with confidence.
“You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well; you will do it better,” she told the students.
Similarly, the Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), the aviation subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Vanessa Uansohia, challenged the students to overcome self-doubt and pursue their ambitions boldly.
“The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said.
As part of its internal activities to mark the day, the company also organised an interactive webinar for female employees focused on enhancing communication and leadership skills in the workplace.
Speaking on the topic “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” public speaking strategist Joyce Daniels encouraged participants to see effective communication as a key driver of professional advancement.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” she said, noting that impactful leaders distinguish themselves through their ability to confidently articulate ideas.
The Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while reinforcing the call for gender equality.
According to her, the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” aligns with the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
“Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations, and communities,” she said.
Extending its impact beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also carried out a community outreach in Ijora, where 500 bags of assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable households.
Each food pack contained essential staples including rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri, and salt, aimed at providing immediate relief to families in need. The distribution was conducted in collaboration with community leaders to ensure transparency and orderliness.
Eniola-Jegede, who coordinated the initiative, noted that the outreach reflects the organisation’s strong culture of compassion and its commitment to supporting the communities where it operates.
She added that the exercise also reinforced the message of International Women’s Day by encouraging women within the organisation to champion initiatives that uplift vulnerable groups and strengthen community resilience.