News
International Women’s Day 2025: How BetQueens Are Empowered to Beat the Odds
by BetKing NG
8 Mar 2025
At the root of it all, the true beauty of humanity is in our resilience—that unique ability to shrug off challenges and continue to make a difference. In Nigeria especially, ‘resilience’ is more than just a word—it’s a way of life that you need to rise to the very top, and nobody embodies that better than women, especially our BetQueens.
At BetKing, we’d like to wish every woman out there a Happy International Women’s Day. Every day is a celebration of women for us, but today especially, we’d like to spotlight these exceptional women who have all made a home in what many consider to be a male-dominated field, betting.
Enjoy!
At the root of it all, the true beauty of humanity is in our resilience—that unique ability to shrug off challenges and continue to make a difference. In Nigeria especially, ‘resilience’ is more than just a word—it’s a way of life that you need to rise to the very top, and nobody embodies that better than women, especially our BetQueens.
At BetKing, we’d like to wish every woman out there a Happy International Women’s Day. Every day is a celebration of women for us, but today especially, we’d like to spotlight these exceptional women who have all made a home in what many consider to be a male-dominated field, betting.
Enjoy!
Wanni and Handi, Twin Superstar DJs Breaking Barriers
- Why Music?
For Wanni and Handi, music is more than just a career—it’s a way of life that transcends borders, connecting people across cultures and continents.
“Music is life!! It’s a form of expression that allows you to communicate seamlessly and without any barriers.”
- What Were the Odds of Being Successful DJs as Women and Twins?
Before finding their calling as DJs, Wanni and Handi tried their hands at TV presenting, acting, and digital marketing. But nothing felt quite right until they discovered their love for disk jockeying.
“Of course, we were scared about venturing into the male-dominated industry, but we did it scared and gained everything from choosing to pursue DJing.”
- How Has Being Sisters Helped You Navigate the Industry?
Their bond as twins has been their greatest strength since childhood, as they’ve always had each other.
“We’re best friends and always there to boost each other up. This makes it easier to face the world together. If you’re not a twin, sorry!”
- What Are the Challenges You’ve Faced as DJs, and How Did You Handle Them?
The twin DJs have faced their fair share of stereotypes, including the preconceived notion that women can’t DJ as well as men.
“What has helped is choosing to focus on the positives rather than the challenges. We keep our eyes on the prize and let our work speak for itself.”
- What’s Your Message to Other Young Women?
“Be confident and unapologetically yourselves, and above all, keep your eyes on the prize.”
.
Nengi Akinola and the Other BetKing Executives: Leading with Excellence
- Why Did You Choose Marketing?
For Nengi Akinola, Head of Marketing at BetKing, marketing wasn’t just a career choice, it’s a calling.
“I think marketing chose me. I started as a graduate trainee, and I didn’t know what to expect. But as I learned about marketing across different spheres, it became so interesting for me. 13 years down the line, I fall in love with marketing every day, as if I’d just started.”
- What Were the Odds of Getting into a Managerial Role as a Woman?
Morayo Ero, BetKing’s Head of Treasury, highlights the challenges women face in leadership roles.
“A 2020 McKinsey report says only 34% of women are in senior management roles, and just 18% are in executive leadership roles. This is often because women are primarily responsible for taking care of the home. When I got my first managerial role, I had a toddler, and sometimes I wouldn’t see my children for days. Thankfully, I had help that helped me to seamlessly bridge my home and work responsibilities.”
- How Has It Been Dealing with Stereotypes in the Corporate World?
Bonike Ayanbadejo, BetKing’s Head of People Operations, Uzoaku Osele, BetKing’s Head of Operations, and Foluke Ademilua, BetKing’s Head of Finance Operations, share their career experiences with workplace biases.
Bonike: “There’s this bias that as a woman, once you start having kids, you can’t give 100% at work because your attention is divided.”
Foluke: “I’ve heard of companies deprioritizing the hiring of women because of maternity leave. The truth is, if you know your onions, you’ll always be relevant.”
Uzoaku: “People may not always be willing to give you a seat at the table. But as long as you’re consistent and continuously deliver excellence with clear results, being a woman won’t limit you.”
- If You Could Change One Perception About Women as Leaders, What Would It Be?
Morayo and Bonike are determined to challenge stereotypes.
“The perception that women are weak needs to change. Studies show that women are as good, if not better, problem solvers than men.”
“We’re capable of greatness just as much as our male counterparts, and we can definitely beat the odds.”
BetKing’s Female Super Agents: Trailblazers in a Male-dominated Business
- How Did You End Up as a Super Agent?
Mrs. Elizabeth’s journey is one of passion and perseverance.
“I’ve been passionate about business and creating opportunities for others for a long time. I started as an ordinary agent. Determination, consistency, and the ability to face challenges eventually helped me reach my current position as a super agent.”
- What Challenges Have You Faced?
Ms. Precious shares the hurdles she’s overcome in a male-dominated industry.
“It was not easy to be in a business dominated by men because people feel you wouldn’t be able to do it well as a woman. Others would try to cut corners and cheat you to see if you were on your toes. So, yes, the business can be quite a challenge.”
We also asked our interviewees to share the names of women who’ve inspired them.
Who Are Your Role Models?
Wanni and Handi credit their mother and other women in the industry for inspiring them.
“Definitely our mum, who taught us to be content with what we have and still strive for better. We also look up to women in the industry who have been consistent and stayed true to themselves.”
Nengi: “Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala”
Uzoaku: “Mrs. Ibukun Awosika”
Bonike: “The late Professor Dora Akunyili”
Morayo: “Florence Alakija”
Bolanle and Blessing (Super Agents): “My mum”
Mercy (VIP Customer): “My mum and myself”
Parting Thoughts: Accelerate Action Today!
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. It’s a call to everyone to take meaningful steps toward empowering women in the workplace and beyond.
Morayo leaves us with this powerful message:
“There should be more conversations and engagement to let women know that they’re more. Your gender does not define who you are. You cannot be put in a box. You can be fantastic at work and at home. And that’s how I accelerate action and beat the odds.”
Nengi adds,
“This year, the theme is ‘accelerate action,’ and I have just one question for everyone: How are you accelerating action to enable women to beat the odds in the workplace and in life in general? Think about it and do something today.”
Join the Movement
At BetKing, we’re committed to empowering women to be their best selves. This International Women’s Day, dedicate some time to celebrate and appreciate women in your lives for their strength, resilience, and achievements in the face of adversity.
Check out our YouTube Page for the full documentary and learn from our BetQueens how you can help the women in your lives continue to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and create a world where every woman can thrive without restrictions.
Download our betting apps today!
*Inspired by the stories of Nengi, Wanni, Handi, and countless other women who beat the odds every day.
Wanni and Handi, Twin Superstar DJs Breaking Barriers
- Why Music?
For Wanni and Handi, music is more than just a career—it’s a way of life that transcends borders, connecting people across cultures and continents.
“Music is life!! It’s a form of expression that allows you to communicate seamlessly and without any barriers.”
- What Were the Odds of Being Successful DJs as Women and Twins?
Before finding their calling as DJs, Wanni and Handi tried their hands at TV presenting, acting, and digital marketing. But nothing felt quite right until they discovered their love for disk jockeying.
“Of course, we were scared about venturing into the male-dominated industry, but we did it scared and gained everything from choosing to pursue DJing.”
- How Has Being Sisters Helped You Navigate the Industry?
Their bond as twins has been their greatest strength since childhood, as they’ve always had each other.
“We’re best friends and always there to boost each other up. This makes it easier to face the world together. If you’re not a twin, sorry!”
- What Are the Challenges You’ve Faced as DJs, and How Did You Handle Them?
The twin DJs have faced their fair share of stereotypes, including the preconceived notion that women can’t DJ as well as men.
“What has helped is choosing to focus on the positives rather than the challenges. We keep our eyes on the prize and let our work speak for itself.”
- What’s Your Message to Other Young Women?
“Be confident and unapologetically yourselves, and above all, keep your eyes on the prize.”
.
Nengi Akinola and the Other BetKing Executives: Leading with Excellence
- Why Did You Choose Marketing?
For Nengi Akinola, Head of Marketing at BetKing, marketing wasn’t just a career choice, it’s a calling.
“I think marketing chose me. I started as a graduate trainee, and I didn’t know what to expect. But as I learned about marketing across different spheres, it became so interesting for me. 13 years down the line, I fall in love with marketing every day, as if I’d just started.”
- What Were the Odds of Getting into a Managerial Role as a Woman?
Morayo Ero, BetKing’s Head of Treasury, highlights the challenges women face in leadership roles.
“A 2020 McKinsey report says only 34% of women are in senior management roles, and just 18% are in executive leadership roles. This is often because women are primarily responsible for taking care of the home. When I got my first managerial role, I had a toddler, and sometimes I wouldn’t see my children for days. Thankfully, I had help that helped me to seamlessly bridge my home and work responsibilities.”
- How Has It Been Dealing with Stereotypes in the Corporate World?
Bonike Ayanbadejo, BetKing’s Head of People Operations, Uzoaku Osele, BetKing’s Head of Operations, and Foluke Ademilua, BetKing’s Head of Finance Operations, share their career experiences with workplace biases.
Bonike: “There’s this bias that as a woman, once you start having kids, you can’t give 100% at work because your attention is divided.”
Foluke: “I’ve heard of companies deprioritizing the hiring of women because of maternity leave. The truth is, if you know your onions, you’ll always be relevant.”
Uzoaku: “People may not always be willing to give you a seat at the table. But as long as you’re consistent and continuously deliver excellence with clear results, being a woman won’t limit you.”
- If You Could Change One Perception About Women as Leaders, What Would It Be?
Morayo and Bonike are determined to challenge stereotypes.
“The perception that women are weak needs to change. Studies show that women are as good, if not better, problem solvers than men.”
“We’re capable of greatness just as much as our male counterparts, and we can definitely beat the odds.”
BetKing’s Female Super Agents: Trailblazers in a Male-dominated Business
- How Did You End Up as a Super Agent?
Mrs. Elizabeth’s journey is one of passion and perseverance.
“I’ve been passionate about business and creating opportunities for others for a long time. I started as an ordinary agent. Determination, consistency, and the ability to face challenges eventually helped me reach my current position as a super agent.”
- What Challenges Have You Faced?
Ms. Precious shares the hurdles she’s overcome in a male-dominated industry.
“It was not easy to be in a business dominated by men because people feel you wouldn’t be able to do it well as a woman. Others would try to cut corners and cheat you to see if you were on your toes. So, yes, the business can be quite a challenge.”
We also asked our interviewees to share the names of women who’ve inspired them.
Who Are Your Role Models?
Wanni and Handi credit their mother and other women in the industry for inspiring them.
“Definitely our mum, who taught us to be content with what we have and still strive for better. We also look up to women in the industry who have been consistent and stayed true to themselves.”
Nengi: “Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala”
Uzoaku: “Mrs. Ibukun Awosika”
Bonike: “The late Professor Dora Akunyili”
Morayo: “Florence Alakija”
Bolanle and Blessing (Super Agents): “My mum”
Mercy (VIP Customer): “My mum and myself”
Parting Thoughts: Accelerate Action Today!
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. It’s a call to everyone to take meaningful steps toward empowering women in the workplace and beyond.
Morayo leaves us with this powerful message:
“There should be more conversations and engagement to let women know that they’re more. Your gender does not define who you are. You cannot be put in a box. You can be fantastic at work and at home. And that’s how I accelerate action and beat the odds.”
Nengi adds,
“This year, the theme is ‘accelerate action,’ and I have just one question for everyone: How are you accelerating action to enable women to beat the odds in the workplace and in life in general? Think about it and do something today.”
Join the Movement
At BetKing, we’re committed to empowering women to be their best selves. This International Women’s Day, dedicate some time to celebrate and appreciate women in your lives for their strength, resilience, and achievements in the face of adversity.
Check out our YouTube Page for the full documentary and learn from our BetQueens how you can help the women in your lives continue to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and create a world where every woman can thrive without restrictions.
Download our betting apps today!
*Inspired by the stories of Nengi, Wanni, Handi, and countless other women who beat the odds every day.