MWFAAN Honors Women's Achievements in Spectacular International Women's Day Celebration: HER - Excellence Awards 2024 Inspire Inclusion for Women Empowerment.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria Honors Women's Achievements in Spectacular International Women's Day Celebration: HER - Excellence Awards 2024 Inspire Inclusion for Women Empowerment at American Corner, Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos, March 21, 2024:

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria orchestrated a grand celebration in commemoration of International Women's Day at the prestigious American Corner, Airport Road, Ikeja. The event, themed "HER - Excellence Awards 2024: Inspire Inclusion for Women Empowerment," was a testament to the exceptional achievements and contributions of women across various sectors.

The highlight of the evening was the presence of esteemed industry stakeholders, including Dr. Oluwatoni C. Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant on Health to the Governor of Lagos State, who graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. Dr. Adeyemi's insightful address resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in driving sustainable development. To further honor her remarkable dedication, Dr. Adeyemi was also presented with a prestigious award, recognizing her exemplary service to the community.

Adding to the illustrious gathering was Ambassador Nwodi Daniel Chinedu, ACIPM, HRPL, GITD, who represented Mrs. Grace Edwin Okon, CEO of Derwin Productions, Derwin Film Academy & Derwin First Shot Initiative. Mrs. Okon, a notable advocate for women's empowerment, was honored with a well-deserved award for her outstanding contributions to the field.

In addition to the recognition of Dr. Adeyemi and Mrs. Okon, several other prominent personalities were bestowed with awards, further highlighting their significant impact on the advancement of women's rights and opportunities.

The event also featured engaging panel discussions, providing a platform for thought-provoking conversations on pressing issues such as gender equality, access to education, and economic empowerment. Attendees had the opportunity to glean insights from esteemed panelists and actively participate in meaningful dialogue.

The MWFAAN set up an International Women’s Day Committee spearheaded by Susanne Ogunleye , Omotoke Olugbode, Titi falaiye and Blessing Ashi.

"Planning an event of this magnitude required significant resources, both in terms of time and finances," remarked Mrs. Farida Yahya, reflecting on the arduous journey of organizing the event. "From securing sponsors to coordinating logistics and ensuring a diverse lineup of speakers and activities, it was indeed a monumental task."

Mr. Bidemi Ojo echoed Mrs. Yahya's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork in overcoming the challenges they faced. "Our success in organizing this event is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our team," stated Mr. Ojo. "Despite the obstacles, we remained steadfast in our commitment to celebrating and empowering women."

Susanne Ogunleye, Welfare Officer of the association, highlighted the crucial role of resourcefulness in navigating the complexities of event planning. "We had to make strategic decisions and utilize our resources wisely to ensure that every aspect of the event was executed with excellence," said Ogunleye. "It was a labor of love but seeing the impact it had on our attendees made it all worthwhile."

Furthermore, a captivating business showcase showcased the ingenuity and resilience of women-led enterprises, while a movie screening underscored the power of storytelling in advocating for social change.

As the event drew to a close, Mrs. Farida Yahya, Mr. Bidemi Ojo, Susanne Ogunleye, Julius Ilori, Special Duties, Yusuf Nurudeen, the General Secretary expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose unwavering support made the celebration possible. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts in championing women's rights and empowerment in Nigeria and beyond. They also mentioned that the event continues at Abuja on the 30th of March 2024.

Amidst the celebration of achievements, the event facilitated networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge valuable connections and collaborations in support of women's empowerment initiatives.

In closing, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria's International Women's Day celebration served as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of women to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.

Category:

Arts & Culture 

Writer:

Nwodi Daniel