By Sodiq Adelakun
Co-Founder and Director of Payments at PiggyTech Global Limited, Ibukun Akinola, has called on women to rethink traditional mentorship models and focus on peer mentorship as a more practical and empowering approach for personal and career growth.
Speaking on Saturday at the Thriving Women Conference in Lagos, Akinola shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from failed business attempts to the eventual success of PiggyVest while stressing that mentorship does not always have to come from established figures or distant icons.
Recounting her early years, Akinola disclosed that PiggyVest was the sixth venture she and her co-founders embarked on after several trials.
She explained that their success came through persistence, collaboration, and constant learning.
Akinola also emphasised that mentorship should evolve with generations, adding that women today have different ambitions from those of the past.
“What women wanted to achieve 30 years ago is not what this generation wants. I admire great women like Mrs Ibukun Awosika, but our dreams are different. My mentors are my peers, the people I grow and learn with,” she explained.
Representing the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs Ayisat Olabimpe Agbaje, through Cynthia Akhagbeme-Simeon, Head of Programmes, Research, and Development, echoed Akinola’s thoughts on mentorship while adding that women must balance ambition with personal development and education.
According to her, “Credentials first. Go to school, kids. Mentorship and building credentials go hand in hand. You need someone who provides oversight to help you prioritise, stay grounded, and remain accountable.”
Agbaje emphasised that while not every role model can be personally accessed, women can still model the habits, discipline, and character of those they admire.
“You may never meet your role model, but you can model their composure, how they speak, and how they act,” she added.
Both speakers encouraged women to leverage collaboration, self-awareness, and lifelong learning as keys to thriving in today’s competitive world.
