Kwara First Lady, Bala Usman, others to lead Women in Leadership festival

Three of Africa’s most accomplished women have been announced as headliners for the Women in Leadership Dinner, one of the flagship events at this year’s Peak Performer Festival (TPP Fest) holding in Lagos. They are the First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. (Amb.) Olubukola Abdulrazaq; former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala […]

Three of Africa’s most accomplished women have been announced as headliners for the Women in Leadership Dinner, one of the flagship events at this year’s Peak Performer Festival (TPP Fest) holding in Lagos.

They are the First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. (Amb.) Olubukola Abdulrazaq; former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman; and corporate leader, Olatowun Candide-Johnson.

Organised by The Peak Performer Africa (TPP Africa), the dinner will bring together women leaders from across business, politics, and the creative industries to explore how women can lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

This year’s theme, “No More Shrinking – How Women Can Unleash Untapped Creativity and Market Growth with 21st-Century Intelligence,” focuses on how Emotional, Artificial, Communication, and Relational Intelligence can help women expand influence, build profitable enterprises, and drive inclusive growth across Africa.

Convener of TPP Fest and Founder of The Peak Performer Africa, Dr. Abiola Salami, described the theme as a movement for women ready to rise beyond fear.

“No More Shrinking is not just a slogan,” he said, adding, “It’s a rallying cry for women who are ready to reclaim their power and lead intelligently.”

The event holds on November 17 in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Salami noted that each of the three speakers brings a unique perspective to the table.

Prof. Abdulrazaq, also the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum and a diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embodies intellect, diplomacy, and international leadership.

Bala Usman, who currently serves as Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu, represents governance excellence and reform-minded leadership.

Candide-Johnson, founder of GAIA Africa, reflects executive poise and authentic leadership.

“Together, they represent the mix of strategy, creativity, and governance that defines the next era of African women’s leadership,” Salami added.

The Women in Leadership Dinner is designed as a high-impact experience combining storytelling, mentorship, and strategic networking. It forms part of the two-day TPP Fest 2025, which celebrates leadership, innovation, and peak performance across the continent.

Chairman of TPP Fest 2025, Mr. Yinka Adebayo, highlighted the role of women in driving Africa’s economic transformation.

“Africa’s competitiveness in the global marketplace depends on how effectively we harness the intelligence, creativity, and resilience of our women,” he said. “This dinner creates a space where corporate, civic, and creative leaders can exchange ideas that shape the continent’s next growth phase.”

The two-day festival will draw participants from across sectors to exchange ideas on leadership and innovation in Africa’s evolving economy.