Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) has graduated 71 women from its flagship WIN-with-WISCAR Mentoring Programme, reaffirming its commitment to developing competent, values-driven female leaders equipped to drive meaningful change across organisations, communities, and the nation.

Held at EbonyLife Place, Lagos, the graduation ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the 20 early career women in WIN 1 and 51 mid-career women in WIN 2 mentoring programmes, from diverse sectors including banking and financial services, healthcare, law, technology, oil and gas, aviation, professional and business support services, education, culture and nonprofit development.

The event brought together WISCAR Advisory Board members, mentors, alumni, partners, corporate leaders, and family members to celebrate not only the graduates' achievements but also WISCAR's enduring mission of advancing women's leadership as a catalyst for nation building.

In her address as Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola described the ceremony as a celebration of women who had intentionally chosen growth, leadership, and excellence.

"Today is much more than the presentation of certificates. It is a celebration of courage over comfort, growth over complacency and possibility over limitation. Graduation is not your destination; it is your launchpad. The world needs women who are competent, courageous, compassionate and agile women who will lead with integrity, transform organisations, influence policy and strengthen our nation."

She urged the graduating mentees to dream boldly, lead with purpose, and use their knowledge, influence, and networks to create lasting impact.

"At WISCAR, our mission has always been to develop women to build a better nation. Dream boldly. Lead courageously. Lift others and together, let us build a better nation—one prepared woman at a time."

Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Funke Amobi, Executive Director, Operations, Stanbic IBTC, GPA Board Chair, and WISCAR Advisory Board Member, congratulated the graduating mentees on reaching an important milestone in their leadership journey. She encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and leverage the knowledge, values, and networks gained through the programme to lead with purpose, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to nation building.

The ceremony also featured the surprise presentation and announcement of the Amina Oyagbola Education Initiative, through which the graduating WIN 2 cohort recognised and rewarded a deserving secondary school student for outstanding academic performance. The initiative reflects WISCAR's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and creating meaningful impact beyond its mentoring community while inspiring the next generation of leaders to pay it forward.

In recognition of the invaluable role mentors play in developing future women leaders, the ceremony included a special Mentor Recognition Ceremony, presented by Amina Oyagbola, WISCAR Advisory Board Member, Mrs Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, and WISCAR Executive Secretary, Ekemini Akpakpan, celebrating their unwavering commitment to investing their time, knowledge, and experience in nurturing the graduating mentees.

L-R: WISCAR Advisory Board Member, Boma Alabi, OON, SAN; Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, Amina Oyagbola; WISCAR WIN 1 Mentee, Lovina Utang; and WISCAR Executive Secretary, Ekemini Akpapan at the WIN - with - WISCAR WIN1&2 Graduation Ceremony recently.
The graduation ceremony was attended by several distinguished mentors whose continued commitment has been instrumental to the success of the WIN-with-WISCAR Mentoring Programme. They included Kelechi Vera Olawoyin, Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, Rukayat Opoola Adesola, Dr. Florence Adesola Falaiye, Toyin Kekere-Ekun, Stephanie Omobuwajo, Funke Agbor SAN, Mrs. Dada Alamutu, Zansi Adebowale, and Dolapo Agbede, among others, reaffirming WISCAR's strong network of accomplished professionals dedicated to developing the next generation of women leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Queen-Anne Ifekoya, Head, Client Communication (Pension), Stanbic IBTC and WIN 2 Valedictorian, reflected on the programme's lasting impact.

"The WIN Mentoring Programme has equipped us with more than knowledge; it has given us the confidence, perspective and support system to lead with purpose. As we graduate today, we do so with a renewed commitment to creating impact within our organisations, uplifting others, and contributing meaningfully to the development of our nation."

Since inception, the organisation has trained over 1,400 women through its Mentoring Programme and other bespoke mentoring initiatives, matching mentees with renowned mentors for quality one-on-one sessions aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, professional competence, and personal growth.

The WIN-with-WISCAR Mentoring Programme remains WISCAR's flagship leadership development initiative, providing structured mentoring, leadership training, and capacity development for women at different stages of their careers. Through its WIN 1, WIN 2, and WIN 3 streams, the programme continues to build a pipeline of ethical, competent, and transformational women leaders committed to advancing their organisations and sustainable national development.