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Luxury retailers in Nigeria and beyond are reframing the conversation: women are not merely symbols of elegance or style—they are engines of innovation, community development, and economic progress.
This perspective was at the heart of a press conference on Monday in Abuja, which marked both the 2026 International Women’s Day and the 50th anniversary of Raymond Weil, in partnership with the 19 Hole Group.
Speakers highlighted the global observance of Women’s Month as more than a celebration of style—it is a recognition of women as key drivers of ideas, opportunities, and societal transformation.
Miss Onyekachi Okpara, Director of Kare Showroom, elaborated on the event’s theme, “Give Today,” noting that it emphasizes the reciprocal power of empowering women.
“This year’s theme, Give Today, is about recognizing that when we give, we also gain through connections, opportunities and growth,” she said.
She added that supporting women across sectors unlocks new avenues of creativity and progress.
“And we cannot over-emphasize the importance of women. Today, all month long, all week long for us, we applaud the impact of women in our lives, our communities, our workplaces,” Okpara said.
She further noted, “From different industries, we realize that women play unique roles in our world today. We also have the opinion that by empowering women in whatever capacity that we can with opportunities, we gain innovation and excellence.”
The celebration also explored style, legacy, and the symbolism behind luxury craftsmanship. Nigerian actress and film producer Monalissa Chinda described the significance of the timepieces being launched.
“And today we want to celebrate style. We want to celebrate craftsmanship and the strength of women. So I am honored.
“In celebration of the International Women’s Day and of course, the Women’s Month. A watch is more than an accessory. It marks moments.
“It reflects sophistication and enduring value. It reminds us that time is not merely something we measure. It is something we cherish, something we invest in,” she stated.
Highlighting the broader significance of the occasion, the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero Cantel Jamal, called the gathering a rare convergence of luxury brands celebrating women and partnerships.
“So I find this like an opportunity to foster innovation, to foster in causes that matter, to further grow the gender, these demographics that are occupying space.
“And we are here not to just celebrate the beauty and elegance and craftsmanship, but we are also here to give, to gain. So when you give a woman the opportunity, you will gain a lot of development in your community,” she said.
For Mr. Jose Ramos Amatrian, Country Director of Raymond Weil for the Middle East and Africa, the event reflected the brand’s enduring belief in women’s leadership.
“Obviously we’re talking about Women’s and Women’s Month, and I’m very grateful we just start out today with this reasonable speech. I’m very grateful to be supportive with women at Rammobile.
“We believe that women are the power of the future. And this is something very interesting. And yeah, last but not least, I would like to say that this is, for me, one of the beginning of a successful story. I know we are in good hands.”
Mr. Cezno Benson, Executive Director of Luxury Group Nigeria, emphasized that the recognition of women should extend beyond a single day or month.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and it’s amazing to have Raymond Weil in Nigeria, I don’t know why we have to have a special day to celebrate women, because I believe women should be celebrated every day, you know, in tech, everything that we do, and you know, as men, with our mothers, we’re not going to be here today, that says everything, and you know, the empathy that we learn from women,” he stated.
Mr. Zakaa Afolami Ajidahun, Executive Director of the 19 Hole Group, traced Raymond Weil’s history in Nigeria while underscoring women’s foundational influence on society.
“We are doing a relaunch of this remodel, and it’s very important to the whole 19 group, you know, Remodel is a brand that we have been associated with for several years, and we know the qualities they provide, and in other days.
“Ladies international day, ladies international week, ladies international month, we are all from the womb of a woman, every single one of us, so there’s really nothing we cannot be, we will not be here if not for ladies, and ladies, they always say, oh it’s a man’s world, it’s a man’s world, it actually is not a man’s world, it actually really is a woman’s world,” he said.
