The 7th Annual Conference of the MATA Network was held in Kano over the weekend, bringing together women from across Nigeria and the diaspora for discussions on leadership, collaboration, and women’s development.
The Independent Mirror reports that the annual gathering, now in its seventh year, has become a key platform for women in business, academia, public service, and entrepreneurship to examine issues affecting their progress and to identify solutions for personal and societal growth.
Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director/CEO of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, emphasized the vital role of women in strengthening economic systems.
“Women are no longer on the margins of economic activity,” he said. “They are leading innovations, managing enterprises, and shaping policy outcomes. Any economy that fails to invest in women limits its own potential.”
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Skyline University, Ajith Kumar V., highlighted the importance of educational empowerment.
“Access to quality education remains the strongest tool for women’s advancement,” he said. “We must continue to break the barriers that hinder women from reaching their full academic and professional potential.”
In her remarks, the founder of the MATA Network, Yasmin Obadaki, reaffirmed the conference’s commitment to equipping women with practical skills and supportive networks.
“Our mission is simple,” she stated. “We want women to take ownership of their stories, invest in their personal development, and build futures that strengthen their families, careers, and communities.”
This year’s conference featured panel sessions, technical workshops, and networking forums designed to equip participants with new competencies and expand their professional connections.
The event concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration and greater inclusion of women in development planning at all levels.
