On March 8, 2020, the International Women’s Day (IWD), the world stood together to say ‘Each for Equal’, encouraging every person to work with others to create a “more equal world”. Beyond being a day of widespread advocacy for women’s rights, it was also one for acknowledging women blazing trails across sectors in the world. This year in Nigeria, the most prestigious IWD recognitions came in form of the Lagos State Governor H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commendation of select women making an impact.
In recognition of her influence as a business leader and inspirational woman, Bella Disu, the Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, was one of the 200 women whose contributions across sectors were highlighted and honoured by Governor Sanwo-Olu under Lagos State’s #Eko4Women initiative.
“On this day, I celebrate you for who you are and what you do, day after day, to create value for the numerous businesses that you oversee, which in turn inspires millions of women across the continent,” Governor Sanwo-Olu wrote to Mrs. Disu.
Mrs. Disu, who sits on the boards of several prestigious companies and is also a philanthropist and founder of the Bella Disu Foundation, shared a photo of the Governor’s letter, adding that she was “incredibly humbled and honoured for the recognition by Mr. Jide Sanwoolu”.
Other female leaders who were celebrated include the Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; leading Nigerian Architect, Mrs. Jumoke Adenowo; ace fashion designer, Mrs. Deola Sagoe; and renowned broadcaster, Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe.
For Mrs. Disu, who was bestowed the Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in late 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s recognition is yet one more governmental commendation of her hard work and influence.