The 2026 edition of Virtuous Queens Foundation Annual Conference took place on Friday, 1st May, at the LCCI Conference & Exhibition Centre, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
During the Conference, some distinguished persons delivered papers that addressed varying issues about the Foundation and their activities.
President of the Foundation, Queen Maryam Barde, opened the floor with a welcome address, and spoke about the importance of the Foundation.
Queen Maryam Barde said the Virtuous Queens Foundation is blessed with women of integrity who have high degree of inward characters to make positive impacts in the society.
After the President’s welcome address, Barrister (Queen) Rose Hamis, delivered the first paper at the session; ‘The Virtues In You’, She spoke extensively about the qualities of a Virtuous woman, while Queen Bolatito Farounbi (JP), Dr. Tolu Fagorala and Founder/Convener of the Conference Queen Bose Banji-Idowu, also delivered papers during the Conference.
Below are excerpts of the papers delivered by the resource persons;
‘THE VIRTUES IN YOU’
BEING A PAPER DELIVERED BY BARRISTER (QUEEN) ROSE HAMIS AT THE VIRTUOUS QUEENS CONFERENCE
DATE: 1ST MAY, 2026.
VENUE: LCCI CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION CENTRE, GBD ALAUSA, iKEJA, LAGOS.
Introduction
Good morning/afternoon evening, my fellows esteemed Queens of Timber and Calibar and all other invited guests. It is such a joy to be here with you today.
We live in a world that often measures us by what we achieve, what we own, or how we look. But this afternoon, I want us to pause and reflect on something deeper —
THE VIRTUES IN YOU.
Virtues are the quiet strengths that shape our character. They are not about perfection, but about direction. They guide us when life is uncertain, and they remind us of who we truly are. Let me begin with a simple story. A woman once said, “I thought courage meant climbing mountains. But I discovered courage when I spoke up for myself in a meeting, even though my voice trembled.”
That is the essence of virtue — lived out in everyday life. Every individual carry within them a set of virtues—qualities that shape their character, guide their actions, and influence the way they interact with the world.
These virtues are not abstract ideals reserved for philosophers; they are living forces that manifest in daily choices, relationships, and challenges. To recognize the virtues in oneself is to acknowledge the inner compass that directs life toward meaning, integrity, and growth.
What is Virtue
Virtue is moral excellence, but more than that, it is a habit of choosing what is good. Aristotle described virtue as something we practice until it becomes part of us. Confucius spoke of virtue as harmony between our actions and our values.
For us, as women, virtue often shows up in the balance we carry — between nurturing others and staying true to ourselves, between resilience and gentleness, between strength and humility. It is the consistent practice of qualities such as honesty, courage, kindness, patience, and humility. Virtues are not innate talents; they are cultivated through reflection, discipline, and experience.
Discovering Virtues Within
The virtues in you are revealed in moments of decision. Let us walk through fivevirtues that I believe live within each of us.
Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to act despite fear. Think of Rosa Parks, who simply refused to give up her seat. Or think of the courage it takes to start over after loss, to tell the truth in a culture that prefers silence.
Rosa Parks was an American civil rights activist, best known for her courageous refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 — an act that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and made her a symbol of the fight against racial segregation. She is often called the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Think of a time when you acted bravely, even in a small way. That was courage in you.
Compassion
Compassion is empathy in action. It is the virtue that allows us to see pain and respond with kindness. As women, compassion often flows naturally — in caring for children, supporting friends, or serving communities. But compassion also means extending grace to ourselves.
Story: A mother once said, “I learned compassion when I stopped criticizing myself and began treating myself as kindly as I treated my daughter.”
Integrity
Integrity is living in alignment with your values. It is being the same person in private and in public. Integrity builds trust. It says, “I will not compromise my truth for convenience.” Example: A businesswoman who refuses to cut corners, even when it costs her profit, demonstrates integrity.
Perseverance
Perseverance is the virtue of endurance. It is the strength to keep going when life feels heavy. We see perseverance in women who rise early, work hard, and still find time to care for others. We see it in those who rebuild after failure.
Quote: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” That is perseverance.
Humility & Gratitude
Humility is not weakness; it is strength under control. Gratitude is the ability to see blessings even in small things. Together, they keep us grounded. Humility allows us to learn. Gratitude allows us to celebrate. These virtues are not always loud or dramatic; often, they are quiet acts of consistency that build trust and respect over time.
Interactive Reflection
Now, I would like us to pause. Take a moment to reflect: Which virtue do you see most strongly in yourself? Which one do you want to nurture more? (Allow 2–3 women to share briefly. This creates connection and energy.)
The Power of Virtues in Daily Life
Virtues shape relationships by fostering respect and understanding. They strengthen communities by encouraging fairness and responsibility. They also nurture personal growth by aligning actions with values. For example, patience teaches resilience, gratitude cultivates joy, and humility opens the door to learning. When practiced, virtues transform not only the individual but also the environment around them.
Challenges to Living Virtuously
Virtues are not always easy to live out. Fear, pressure, and discouragement often test us. But challenges are opportunities. Courage grows in adversity. Integrity shines when tested. Perseverance is proven in struggle.
Story: Think of Malala Yousafzai, who faced violence yet chose education and advocacy. Her challenge became the soil where her virtues grew.
Conclusion
The virtues in you are the foundation of your identity. They are the silent strengths that guide your choices, inspire your actions, and define your legacy. To recognize and nurture them is to live authentically, with purpose and dignity. In the end, the virtues in you are not just qualities you possess—they are the essence of who you
are becoming.
Practical Application
How do we cultivate virtues daily?
• Practice gratitude by writing down three blessings each day.
• Show compassion through one intentional act of kindness.
• Strengthen integrity by making one choice that aligns with your values, even if it’s
hard.
• Build perseverance by setting small goals and celebrating progress.
• Nurture courage by speaking up once this week, even if your voice shakes.
Virtues grow through practice, not perfection.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Ladies, the virtues in you are the essence of your strength, your influence, and your legacy. They are not distant ideals — they are alive in your choices, your relationships, and your resilience. The world does not need perfect women. It needs virtuous women/queens — women of courage, compassion, integrity, perseverance, humility, and gratitude.
So, as you leave today, carry one virtue forward. Live it intentionally this week. And remember: the virtues in you are the light you bring to the world.
The second paper, titled ‘Discovering Your purpose As A Woman Of Impact’ was delivered by Queen Bolatito Farounbi (JP).
Queen Farombi said; “When you are doing things that align with your purpose as a woman of impact. You need to look inwards, be a woman of influence and empower people around you, all these can happen if you understand your skill and purpose.”
QUEEN BOLATITO FAROUNBI’S PAPER; DISCOVERING YOUR PURPOSE AS A WOMAN OF IMPACT
What is Purpose? THE MYTHS…THE LIES
Understanding Your Identity; Discovering Your Gift, What activities make you forget time entirely?
Why Purpose Matters; Aligning Passion with Purpose, The Virtues in You.
Why Women Struggle To Discover Purpose; Societal expectations, Fear and Self-Doubt, Past Wounds/Failures, Comparison, Busyness, Health and Purpose, Cost of Ignoring Purpose
LOSS OF DIRECTION AND CLARITY: Spiritual Growth, Becoming a Woman of Impact, Health and Purpose, Action Steps
Remember……Conclusion
PRACTICE LOVE: Five frogs are sitting on a log. How many do we have left?
Four decide to jump off And finally………….
Really…………. Answer: five.
Why?
Because there’s a huge difference between deciding and doing.
OBSERVATIONS, COMMENTS, QUESTIONS?
The next paper was delivered by Dr. Tolu Fagorala, who addressed the participants on ‘Women’s Health Awareness’. She cautioned the women on the dangers of Female Cancers, advising “Women to take their health seriously, because cancer is prevalent and early detection saves the life of victims.”
Dr. Tolu Fagorala’s Paper;
WOMEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS
BY: DR TOLULOPE FAGORALA,
MBBS, FWACS, FMCOG, SRHR
CONSULTANT GYNAECOLOGIST & OBSTETRICIAN
OUTLINE
DEFINITION
TYPES
SYMPTOMS & WAYS OF DETECTION
SCREENING CHECKLIST
CHALLENGES TO EARLY DETECTION
BENEFITS OF EARLY DETECTION
WAYS TO PROMOTE EARLY DETECTION
DEFINITION
CANCER is a disease where abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably, divide rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer can affect different parts of the body eg, breast, ovary. FEMALE CANCERS usually refers to cancers that primarily affect women reproductive system along with breast cancer.
EARLY DETECTION is important == a KEY to saving lives. Early detection means identifying cancer before the symptoms become severe.
TYPES OF FEMALE CANCERS:
Breast cancer,
Cervical cancer,
Ovarian caancer,
Endometrium cancer,
Vaginal and vulval cancer.
OTHERS;
Lungs, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, brain, skin, BLOOD SKIN, liver and kidney cancer.
SYMPTOMS AND WAYS OF DETECTION:
BREAST – Lumps, changes in breast shape and skin(dimpling), nipple discharge
-Detection – breast self exam, CLINICAL breast exam, MAMMOGRAM,BIOPSY
CERVICAL CANCER; abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex ,btw periods), unusual discharge, pelvic pain.
-Detection –VIA ,PAP SMEAR ,HPV TEST, BIOPSY
OVARIAN CANCER ;persistent bloating, pelvic abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, fluid in
the lungs
—Detection – USS,Biopsy
UTERINE CANCER; bleeding after menopause,irregular periods.
-Detection- USS, Biopsy
VAGINAL & VULVAR CANCER; lump,pain,itching
-Detection- Biopsy
TIME;
40-49 years, 50-59years, 60 years +
EVERY YEAR
BP, FBS, WT/BMI, BP, FBS, WT/BMI, BP, FBS, WT/BMI
1- 2 YEARS; MAMMOGRAM, MAMMOGRAM
3-5 YEARS; PAP SMEAR +/-, HPV TEST, PAP SMEAR +/- HPV TEST
OTHERS; CHOLESTEROL, LIFESTYLE; SMOKING, DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY,
CHOLESTEROL, LIFESTYLE, COLONOSCOPY, EYE EXAM.
SCREEN FOR OSTEOPOROSIS, MEMORY SCREEN, FALL RISK ASSESSMENT,
CHALLENGES TO EARLY DETECTION, BENEFITS OF EARLY DETECTION, WAYS TO PROMOTE EARLY DETECTION, HEALTH EDUCATION & AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK UP, ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO SPEAK OPENLY ABOUT SYMPTOMS, GOVERNMENT & NGO SUPPORT EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.
THANK YOU.
The Doctor CONCLUDED THAT some women who have cancer, sometimes die in silence because of limited access to quality medicare, cultural beliefs, stigma and a times fear of diagnosis.
The Founder and Convener of the Conference, Queen Bose Banji-Idowu, who round off paper presentation gave an Overview of the Virtuous Queens Foundation.
Queen Bose Banji-Idowu said her passion for the girl child brought about the Foundation, revealing that this was her childhood dream.
Queen Bose Banji-Idowu’s Paper:
Title: Overview Of Virtuous Queens Foundation
Virtuous Queens Annual Conference 2026
We celebrate you.
Vision statement of Virtuous Queens Foundation:
“To develop empowered women who drive sustainable impact and advance society”.
Mission statement of virtuous queens foundation:
“To equip women with the skills, resources, and opportunities to lead, excel, and create measurable impact through education, capacity building, and advocacy for gender inclusion”.
Core values of Virtuous Queens
Virtuous Queens Foundation encourages the following values to be practiced both at individual and organizational levels:
Core values – V.I.R.T.U.E.S
V – Value-driven living
I – Integrity
R – Responsibility
T – Transformation
U – Unity
E – Excellence
S – Service
Slogan of Virtuous Queens
created & crowned to impact lives.
Background of Virtuous Queens
Virtuous Queens Foundation was established in 2017 and registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) IN 2019 as a non-profit non-governmental organisation based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Our focus is to mobilize females towards sustainable and responsible development.
Background of Virtuous Queens
We believe in transformation from: poverty to hope, obstacles to opportunities and oppression to triumph.
Virtuous Queens Foundation started on Whatsapp platform on 11th January, 2017 as a forum for interaction with women; sharing life experiences, given counsels and discussed on issues affecting women’s lives and proffered solution to them.
Background of Virtuous Queens
Virtuous Queens Foundation works with a team of committed people aiming to secure integrated development through people’s participation.
The key areas identified for interventions include:
Child rights
Education
Health and hygiene
Sustainable livelihood
Women empowerment.
Our effort is to develop lasting association with individuals, government, non-governmental and corporate organizations as also with the communities and groups.
Background of Virtuous Queens
We have come a long way following a small beginning in 2017, and have implemented few projects;
Seminars/workshops related to women rights for change
Health care: virtuous queens platform healthy platform
Operation feed the widows and less privileged
Visitation to orphanages
Renovation of building for correctional home in Lagos
Girl-child enlightenment campaign at schools both in public and private schools
Self-help groups, vocational training for women ( women in digital
Business, initiative of international labour organization (widb-ilo).
Background of Virtuous Queens
While implementing different developmental projects, our thrust has always been on working through people’s participation.
At Virtuous Queens Foundation, we have always believed in the capacities and capabilities of the women, and have always strived to channel their hidden energies for the betterment of society at large.
Our efforts have always been directed towards creating an environment that is conducive of enhancing opportunities to women to think and act positively.
Virtuous Queens Focus/Area Of Interest
Education: providing access to education and training opportunities for women and girls, including programs that help close the gender gap in education and support girls’ transition from school to work.
Health: promoting women’s health and well-being, including initiatives that address issues such as reproductive health, maternal health, and mental health.
Economic Empowerment: providing resources and support to help women start and grow businesses, access credit and capital, and build financial security.
Leadership: supporting women who are leaders in their communities, providing them with the resources and support they need to grow and succeed, and promoting their voices and perspectives in public
discourse.
Violence Against Women: addressing violence against women and girls, providing support and resources to help survivors heal and recover, and advocating for policies and programs that prevent violence and promote safety and security for women.
Strategy Of Virtuous Queens (1)
Partnership building: building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other foundations, to maximize the impact of the foundation’s work.
Advocacy And Policy Work: advocating for policies and programs that promote women’s rights and equality, and that support the foundation’s areas of focus.
Capacity Building: providing training, resources, and support to help organizations and communities
build the capacity they need to promote gender equality and empower women.
Strategy Of Virtuous Queens (2)
Collaboration and coordination: working with partners and stakeholders to coordinate efforts and avoid duplication of effort, and to ensure that programs and initiatives are complementary and effective.
Communication And Outreach:
Developing and implementing effective communication and outreach strategies to raise awareness of the foundation’s work and engage stakeholders and partners.
Monitoring And Evaluation:
Establishing systems for monitoring and evaluating the foundation’s programs and initiatives, and for using this information to improve performance and maximize impact.
Virtuous Queens Foundation Neeeds You
Joining the Virtuous Queen Foundation is a great way to support the cause of empowering women. By joining the foundation, you are becoming a part of a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of women.
Additionally, the foundation provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. To connect with others who are passionate about female empowerment.
By supporting the Virtuous Queen Foundation
You are helping to create a world where women are valued, supported and empowered to achieve their goals. Whether you are seeking to grow personally or professionally, the Virtuous Queen Foundation is an excellent place to start.
Who can support Virtuous Queens Foundation?
Individuals including you
Organisations
Corporate bodies
Government agencies
Other NGOs
Who share its mission and values of empowering women.
This includes individuals who believe in female empowerment, equality, and the advancement of women’s rights. Organizations that advocate for women’s rights and gender equality can also support the foundation through donations, partnerships, or other forms of support.
Furthermore, corporate bodies and government agencies that support initiatives for women’s empowerment and equality can also contribute to the foundation’s mission and objectives.
Membership
Nigeria network of NGOs (nngo)
lagos Civil Society Participation For Development (LACSOP)
We welcome you to Virtuous Queens Foundation as you Partner with us.
End of paper presentations.
Meanwhile, before the Virtuous Queens Foundation drawn the curtains on the 2026 Conference, Bose Banji-Idowu used the opportunity thank the men who have been supportive to their mission. Bose singled out her husband, Banji Idowu for his unflinching support and encouragement to the Virtuous Queens Foundation.
There were other side attractions such as networking, group photographs and cutting of cake amidst refreshments, music and dance.