Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group, is partnering the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) for its annual three-day Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition scheduled for Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) Gold and Gem Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) is set to make a significant impact on the country’s mining industry. Under the leadership of its founder, Engineer Janet Adeyemi, WIMIN has been instrumental in empowering women and driving innovation in the sector.
This year’s GGCE marks a milestone as it merges with the African Gem and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC), attracting participants from across the continent. The event will showcase stunning gold and gemstone jewelry, cutting-edge mining technologies, and sustainable practices.
Chairman of the WIMIN Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, Mrs. Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, stressed the importance of value addition in the mining sector and the need for collaboration and partnership: “WIMIN GGCE Lagos provides a unique platform for the jewelry trade in Nigeria. By bringing together women from across the continent, we are fostering innovation and driving value addition in the mining sector.”
The conference will offer a diverse range of activities, including: Exhibition: Showcasing African gems and jewelry; workshops on hands-on training in jewelry making, gemstone identification and business development; networking opportunities to connect with industry peers and potential partners, as well as panel discussions to address key topics on gender equality, sustainability and innovation.
Engineer Janet Adeyemi expressed her excitement about the growth of WIMIN and the impact of the GGCE: “This event is a testament to the power of women in the mining industry. By providing a platform for collaboration and empowerment, we are driving positive change and shaping the future of Nigeria’s gemstone sector.”
Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said the support is in line with the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, adding that the initiative supports Ecobank’s mission of supporting professional organizations that are contributing to the development of the nation’s economy.
According to her, “the guiding principle of Ecobank’s CSR activities is to contribute to the economic development and financial integration of Africa. We are committed to helping professional organisations to succeed. By this, we are contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic and social development. We believe the conference will be of immense benefit to participants and open new opportunities in mining and jewelry-making industries.”
