By Pius Idubor
The air at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was filled with a sense of purpose and shared experience as prominent women from various sectors gathered for the third annual Unbound conference. Convened by Ezinne Kufre Ekanem, the event served as a powerful platform for women to address and overcome societal and personal barriers, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
The conference’s origin story, as shared by Kufre Ekanem, is one of profound adversity and divine inspiration. In 2020, her husband suffered from multiple strokes and later contracted coronavirus, forcing Ezinne into the role of a full-time caregiver. This challenging period revealed a deeper truth about the struggles women face. “I considered myself industrious, with a network of people and a business, yet I felt the pain and immense pressure,” she recounted. This experience led her to a stark realization: many women lack the financial resources, support networks, and helping hands to navigate life’s challenges, often seeing no option but to abandon their responsibilities. In response, Ekanem made a pact to use her resources and connections to create a ministry dedicated to “repairing” and empowering women. The Unbound conference is the fulfillment of that promise.
The keynote address, delivered by Mrs. Temitope Mayegun, the CEO of Avila Naturalle, captivated the audience with its raw honesty and powerful message. Speaking on the conference theme, “Unbound,” Mayegun recounted a childhood marked by abuse and emotional trauma that led to a 20-year battle with depression. Her life was irrevocably changed at age two after an altercation between her parents, and she was later subjected to constant taunting and derision. Despite being told she would be “a nobody,” Mayegun held on to a prayer she made at just 12 years old: to be the one child among her 20 siblings who would stand out. Her determination paid off, as she became the first female in her family to graduate from the university, a testament to her resilience and the ultimate victory of being “unbound” from her past.
The event also featured other notable speakers and a dynamic panel discussion. Dr. Akin Akinpelu, a special adviser to many presidents, delivered an impactful talk on “capacity over circumstance,” urging attendees to focus on building their skills and character rather than succumbing to life’s challenges.
Nollywood actor Shawn George shared her own story of resilience as a panelist. An only child who grew up in the village, she entered into an early marriage. After having two children, she faced immense resistance from her husband’s family when she decided to return to school. Despite being labeled and criticized, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of education, which ultimately led to the end of her marriage. Her journey culminated in an admission to the University of Lagos and a powerful lesson for all women: “The alignment will come, just be you, pursue you and become.”
Photographer Sola Ogundimu also contributed to the panel, speaking on the topic of “healing” and affirming that “perspective is everything.” The conference concluded with a reinforced message that women, often held captive by traditions, obstacles, and personal challenges, possess the inherent strength and capacity to become truly unbound.
