….be influencers, not influenced
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, challenged women to take proactive steps towards achieving their goals.
Speaking at an event organized by FAAN to commemorate International Women’s Day, IWD, 2025, Orah dismissed the notion of passive marginalization, asserting that recognition begins with individual initiative.
She emphasized the importance of strategic self-positioning, continuous skill development, and surrounding oneself with positive, like-minded individuals who foster growth.
The FAAN image maker, cautioned against relying on external validation, including from partners, and instead encouraged women to cultivate their own drive and motivation.
“So all I’m saying is, you need to drive yourself. Don’t wait for anybody to drive you. Don’t even wait for your husband or your boyfriend to drive you. Some of them will not drive you, but once they see that you have the drive, you have the zeal, the motivation, they join you”.
Stressing the significance of self-assessment, she urged women to determine whether they are influencers or being influenced, and to ensure that influence is positive and empowering.
Highlighting the crucial role of self-care, Orah echoed medical professionals in emphasizing that individuals cannot effectively care for others if they neglect their own well-being.
She encouraged women in leadership positions, from CEOs to frontline workers, to prioritize their health to maximize their output, urging women to abandon excuses related to lack of resources or strength and to take charge of their lives.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, I’m not going to believe in you. You have to start believing in yourself first”.
Orah passionately advocated mutual support among women, rejecting the notion of competition and emphasizing the collective benefit of uplifting fellow women.
The FAAN director, expressed personal joy in contributing to the development of others and condemned the harmful stereotype of women hating each other.
She called for an end to self-centeredness and encouraged women to recognize the vast opportunities available to them.
“We need to support one another. If you see your fellow woman falling down, help and lift her up. Don’t pull her down, don’t, it is bad, because remember they say that what goes around comes around. It is a round circle. So, please”.
