The Nigerian arm of leading pan-African banking group Ecobank Group, on Tuesday announced its partnership with the Women in Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) for its three-day annual Gold & Gemstone Conference & Exhibition holding from Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, 28th wat the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos.
The WIMIN Gold and Gem Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) is expected to make a significant impact on the country’s mining industry.
Under the leadership of its Founder, Engineer Janet Adeyemi, the statement noted that 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.
Emphasizing the importance of value addition in the mining sector and the need for collaboration and partnership, Mrs. Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, Chairman of the WIMIN Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, assured that “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.”
As part of the conference, there will be an exhibition to showcasing African gems and jewelry, workshops to offer hands-on training in jewelry making, gemstone identification, and business development.
The event will also offer an opportunity for participants to network and connect with industry peers and potential partners; in addition to panel discussions that address key topics related to gender equality, sustainability, and innovation.
The statement quoted Engr Adeyemi as expressing excitement at the growth of WIMIN and the impact of the GGCE, assuring that the “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.”
Also commenting, 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.”
