“Command the Room”: Ekiti Women in Management(EKWIM) Tasks Female Leaders on Voice, Confidence, and Influence

THE Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has urged female public servants to cultivate executive presence, effective communication skills, and holistic wellness as essential qualities for impactful leadership.

Mrs Babafemi gave the charge as the Guest Speaker at the Virtual Learning Session (VLS) organised by the Ekiti Women in Management (EKWIM) on the theme, “Command the Room: Mastering Executive Voice, Body Language and Influence.”

Commending EKWIM for its commitment to empowering professional women through continuous learning and development, the Commissioner encouraged participants to maximise growth opportunities and invest in their career development.

Mrs Babafemi said that leadership extends beyond technical and administrative competence, stressing that the ability to communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose is vital for career success.

She highlighted key elements of executive presence, including effective voice projection, strategic use of silence, confident body language, eye contact and the avoidance of filler words.

She also identified barriers that often limit women’s leadership potential, such as imposter syndrome, cultural conditioning, fear of being misunderstood and inadequate preparation, emphasising that lasting influence is built on integrity, emotional intelligence, consistency and continuous self-development.

Responding to participants during the interactive session, the Commissioner underscored the importance of mental, intellectual and physical well-being, describing self-care as a necessity. Shthan a luxurye encouraged participants to cultivate healthy habits, remain lifelong learners, and deliberately pursue professional development.

The session was hosted by the EKWIM Coordinator and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Department, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo, who emphasised the importance of effective communication in building confidence and enhancing productivity in the workplace.
EKWIM Secretary, Mrs Adetayo Adesola, introduced the guest speaker and encouraged members to continually develop their public speaking skills, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, delivered the vote of thanks.

She described Mrs Babafemi as an accomplished public administrator and mentor whose insights would continue to inspire women in the public service.

The virtual session attracted wide participation from female senior public officers across the Ekiti State Public Service, including Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and the State Statistician-General, Mrs Dolapo Dasola-Ojo.

The event ended with a renewed call for women leaders to build confidence through continuous practice, recognising that effective communication will not only enhance individual careers but will also strengthen institutions, improve governance and inspire emerging women leaders.