Her Excellency Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq Champions Women’s Leadership at Inaugural London Retreat
LONDON – In a gathering marked by elegance and purpose, Her Excellency Amb. Prof. (Mrs.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Governors Spouses Forum, presided over the inaugural Aegis Global Advisory Women’s Retreat 2025 this Wednesday. The event, held at the prestigious Nigerian High Commission in London, set a formidable tone for a three-day initiative dedicated to advancing women into the highest echelons of corporate and public leadership.
The ‘Boardroom Ready Experience’, as the retreat is aptly titled, convened a select group of aspiring and established female leaders for an enriching morning of discourse and networking. The venue, under the gracious Chief Hostmanship of His Excellency Amb. Mohammed Maidugu, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, provided a dignified and inspiring backdrop for the occasion.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Abdulrazaq, in her role as the Honorary Chairperson of the Board, brought her considerable influence and advocacy for women’s empowerment to the fore, setting a visionary tone for the retreat. Her presence underscored the critical importance of preparing women for strategic leadership roles, both on the national and international stage.
The event was masterfully convened by the organisation’s Co-Founders, Ms. Abiola Adelana and Ms. Elizabeth Johnson, whose visionary leadership brought this crucial initiative to life. They were supported by the dedicated AEGIS team, which includes Senior Members Ms. Lucy Varnava and Ms. Bukola Hassan. The collective dedication of this team to creating a transformative “experience” rather than merely a meeting was evident in the meticulously curated programme, which left attendees both motivated and equipped for the journey ahead.
This London gathering served as the powerful commencement for the retreat’s agenda. The delegation is now poised to continue its work in the Republic of South Africa, where the next chapter of this transformative three-day experience will unfold. The movement to cultivate a new generation of ‘boardroom ready’ women leaders, championed by Her Excellency and the Aegis Global Advisory, is undoubtedly gaining powerful momentum across the globe.
The Visionaries Behind Aegis Global Advisory
At the forefront of Aegis Global Advisory is Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State and Board Chair of the firm. A distinguished diplomat, humanitarian, and passionate advocate for gender and youth development, she brings decades of experience in governance, foreign service, and social impact. Having served in key diplomatic postings across London, Pretoria, and Paris, Her Excellency provides strategic oversight that aligns global best practices with Aegis’s mission of empowering women and promoting inclusive leadership. Under her guidance, the firm continues to champion mentorship, policy dialogue, and governance initiatives that position women as vital contributors to economic and institutional growth.
Working alongside her is Elizabeth Olajumoke Johnson, the Founder of Aegis Global Advisory, whose bold and visionary leadership defines the firm’s global identity. Based in London, Elizabeth has built a consultancy that bridges Africa and the international business landscape, offering strategic advisory services to corporations, non-profit organizations, and government institutions. Her focus on mentorship, leadership acceleration, and women’s inclusion in decision-making positions has transformed Aegis into more than a consultancy, it is a global movement that connects women across industries, fosters collaboration, and drives purposeful leadership.
Abiola Oluwayemisi Adelana, the Co-founder of Aegis Global Advisory, brings a dynamic blend of financial acumen, creativity, and social consciousness to the organization. With extensive experience in banking, tourism, and development strategy, she integrates innovation with impact, designing initiatives that promote inclusive growth and economic empowerment. Abiola’s leadership reinforces Aegis’s mission to merge strategic excellence with gender equity, creating spaces where women thrive as entrepreneurs, executives, and change-makers shaping the future of African and global economies.
Supporting these strategic pillars is Bukola Hassan, a Social Member of the firm, whose expertise in governance, leadership development, and partnership management strengthens Aegis’s collaborative ecosystem. She plays a vital role in expanding the firm’s network of women leaders, promoting mentorship, and building relationships that drive cross-sector engagement. Through her contributions, Aegis continues to cultivate a culture of shared knowledge, professional growth, and community empowerment.
Completing this circle of excellence is Lucy Varnava, also a Social Member of Aegis Global Advisory, whose work centers on fostering connection, creativity, and collaboration among women professionals. Her involvement enhances the firm’s commitment to building a vibrant sisterhood that transcends borders, empowering women to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collectively advance the ideals of leadership and inclusion. Lucy’s contributions reflect the very essence of Aegis, a platform where purpose meets progress, and where the power of unity fuels global transformation.
Together, these visionary women represent the leadership, intellect, and integrity that define Aegis Global Advisory. Their collective strength embodies the firm’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect women across the world, building a legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and impact that continues to shape the future of global leadership.