•Okonjo Iweala advocates diversity in appointment, right training, experience

•Jonathan: I gave more appointment to women  than any Nigerian president

•Sanwo-olu, Atedo, Fola Adeola, others, grace event

Chiemelie Ezeobi and Sunday Ehigiator

Arise News Television, last night, honoured some 80 formidable women of substance, who had made significant impact in business, politics, and media, amongst other thriving human endeavours.

Themed the ‘Arise Gala for Women Making Impact’, in commemoration of the International Women’s Month (IWM) 2025, the initiative was in recognition of their impacts in Nigeria and across the global stage.

From policy to finance, innovation and technology, arts, media, entertainment and even health, the event underscored the pivotal roles women play in driving economic growth and fostering opportunities.

Practically all the speakers at the event concurred with the notion that, when women thrive, economies of nations prosper, and doors to greater possibilities open.

This, however, was why the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, advocated diversity in appointment in the private and the public sectors in Nigeria, and proper training and experience for women, if they must ‘shatter ceilings’, like their male counterparts.

Held at the Eko Convention Center Lagos, the event played host to several industry leaders, as well as past and present public office holders and technocrats.

These important guests included former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Founder of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside; the Managing Director, Eleganza, Shade Okoya; and First Female Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa, amongst others.

The award presentation, divided into 10 categories, started with the ‘Global Recognition for Contribution to Fashion Across Africa’ Award Category.

Other categories were the Global Leaders and Policymakers Award, Government and Politics Award, Business and Finance Award, Energy, Oil and Gas Award, Technology and Innovation Award, Fashion Award, Media, Entertainment and Arts Award, Philanthropy and Advocacy Award, Healthcare and Social Impact Award, and Justice, Law and Security Award.

In their opening remarks, the duo of Efe and Eka Obaigbena, took the audience through the several notable contributions of women to the rich history of Nigeria.

They traversed through the stories of the great Aba women, Queen Idia, Stella Adadevoh, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, amongst others, highlighting how they laid the path for other women to thrive even long after their generations.

Okonjo-Iweala, who later spoke on how women could break barriers across the private and the public sectors, in an exclusive interview with ARISENEWS CHANNEL, noted that, structurally, women in leadership positions had to make sure that they had other women in the succession pipeline.

“I can tell you that times have changed and what I’m proud to say is that I meet so many women with the qualifications because we often used to hear, oh, we don’t have women who have these qualifications.

“So, we need to make sure if we are going to break the glass ceiling in different areas that we have the right training and the right experience. So that cannot be an excuse. That is on that side and I do see progress there.

“I think the second issue comes from us. We women also have to be ready to take up these challenges when the opportunity arises. And sometimes it’s a bit of a risk.

“If you are called up to take up a difficult leadership position, there are those who are willing to take these risks and see them as opportunities and go for it. And others may be risk averse. So, I just encourage women, when the opportunity arises, go for it. You have the right qualifications, why not?

“Third, men have to be willing to support, to open the way for those structurally who are in control of making the opportunities available. And more often than not, men. And so in their minds, they may not really be against women, but they are just used to seeing other men in these positions.

“And we need to persuade them to open up their minds and be supportive so that women can compete. Women are not asking for a handout or to be put in when they are not qualified. No.

“Let them compete and they will get the jobs. Totally understandable. Changing the current status quo is definitely something that’s multifaceted.

“We also know from the World Economic Forum numbers and other studies that if we are to close the global gender gap, it might take us more than 130 or more years to do that. So the pace of change is too slow. We also know that there are particular parts of professions where women are not making progress as fast as they could.

“If you look at politics, for example, only a handful of women have led countries in this world. And this is the 21st century. In our own country, Nigeria, I just said the other day at another talk or speech that I gave, we’ve not even had a female governor, let alone a female leader of the country.

“The percentage of women in our parliament is one of the lowest on the continent, let alone the world. So, in science and technology, we need to make progress. We find we are not making as fast an advance as we should.

“So, structurally, what do we do? I think I’m somebody who is a strong believer in merit. But I think we have to couple merit sometimes with saying we just need diversity. The economic losses arising from not having women go to positions is vast.

“There are estimates that if women would have the same opportunities as men, the world would have 26 or so trillion to double GDP. This is from a case study. We know that when you educate a woman, she educates her household, adds to household income, to community income, and to national income.”

Former President Jonathan, In his acceptance speech, declared that he gave more appointments to women during his tenure as president than any other president Nigeria has ever done.

His words: “Thank you so much for spending quite some time here. I didn’t want to take much of your time. But first, let me appreciate the Arise and THISDAY family for this series of awards, especially to the Duke, Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

“When people are recognised, it’s significant because it sends a message to others. And for today, it is actually the day we are celebrating our women.

“For the women, I have to thank you very sincerely. You are recognised because of your hard work, because of your dedication, and because of your resilience, and you’re able to get to the level you’ve got, and you have been recognised today.

“And to me, it’s a big thing for the women because I can say clearly that as a president, I gave appointments to women more than any other president.

“I was the first president that made a female the president of the Court of Appeal. I was the first president that also made a female the Chief Justice of the Federation.

“I’d done that, but most especially, as a president, when I used to decorate senior military officers. There was a time I decorated only one Brigadier General. It was a Naval officer, who was an Architect that entered the Navy.

“And I said no, because without passing through the Nigerian Defence Academy, most cases you end up as a major. You hardly get up to even the rank of a colonel. And I say what is happening to the rest of the world must happen in Nigeria that ladies, girls must be admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy.

“And from that day till now, we have gotten women doing wonderfully well. Maybe next year when they will recognise women again, some of them may be appreciated. So, I’m always happy when women are promoted, because my philosophy is that it’s like a farm.

“If you fertilize only 50 per cent of a farm, during the harvest you cannot get the yield of somebody who fertilised 100 per cent of the farm. So, you cannot abandon the women and only promote the men.

“In most cases, the women are even a little more in population than the men. So, I have to thank Nduka for this, because it will encourage younger girls to emulate these great women.”

In her acceptance remarks for the Philanthropy and Advocacy Award, Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Oby Ezekwesili, noted that, “The only usefulness of privilege is to use your privilege to bring privilege to the less privileged. This is the cornerstone of the life of purpose that I live.”

Speaking after receiving the award for Government and Politics: Bold Voice for Good Governance, the Senator Representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti, noted that, “This morning, I almost didn’t feel like attending this event, but my husband had to speak to me.

“Courage, he said; Natasha, it doesn’t matter what the media has narrated of you, that doesn’t define you.

“And walking up here, the cheers I heard from you all, just reaffirmed who we are, that in truth, one must find courage, even to speak the most difficult of things.

“And today, I’ve been honoured, amongst many women, to receive the award of the Bold Voice of Good Governance. And I say this, it takes a whole lot of courage to reform governance. And in trust, I hope we jointly do right by our country.”

Business leader Chief Shade Okoya of Eleganza Limited expressed gratitude to her husband, Chief Rasaq Okoya, for his unwavering support in her journey. Similarly, Nkiru Anumudu of Globe Motors acknowledged THISDAY Publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, for his continuous encouragement.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Margaret Ochalla thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for fostering an environment that allows women in the force to excel. Likewise, Emem Usoro extended her appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his contributions to women’s advancement.

Highlighting the role of women in the economy, Uju Ifejika of Brittania stressed that she was not in the male-dominated oil and gas sector for handouts but to make a lasting impact. Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chairman of May & Baker Nigeria, expressed her honor at receiving the award, acknowledging that many other women were equally deserving. She advocated for increased female representation in the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.

Dr. Owen Omogiafo, Group CEO of Transcorp, reinforced the belief that women can thrive in leadership roles, stating that her journey is proof of the limitless potential of women.

However, on the list of Global Leaders & Policymakers were Amina Mohammed,  Chair of Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group; Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as an Esteemed Jurist; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Trailblazer, Global Economic Leadership; Olufemi Tinubu as First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Kanayo Awani as Leader in African Trade and Development Finance; and Justice Amina Augie for her Unrivalled Legal Mind.

Under Government & Politics were the likes of Justice Amina Augie as Judicial Leader, Legal Pillar; Kasarachi Asuelu as Leader in Diplomatic Relations; Hajiya Bala Usman as a Trailblazer Policy Guru; Fatima Kyari Mohammed for Advancing Key Multilateral Finance Initiatives; Ima Agunbiade-Abdul as a Respected Diplomat in Europe; Ingid Kirschning as Influential Advocate for Gender Parity; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas as a Determined Politician; Hannatu Musawa as Key Arts Advocate & Youth Ambassador; Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe for Driving Governance Reforms; Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as  Bold Voice for Grassroots Development; and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a Politician & Diplomat.

May Agbamuche-Mbu as an Indefatigable Electoral Umpire being National Commissioner at INEC; Hadiza Bala Usman as President Bola Tinubu’s Policy Guru; Ireti Kingibe as Development Advocate; Jumoke Oduwole as Business Reform Champion; Imaan Sulaiman-/brahim for Living for the Cause of Women; Doris Uzoka-Aniete for her From Industry to Finance sojourn; Suwaiba Said Ahmad for Championing Education Reform; and Olu Arowolo Verheijen for Leading Energy Transition as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

For Business and Finance, the like of Yetunde Oni was awarded as Banker Par Excellence; Adaora Umeoji for Driving Financial Innovation at Zenith Bank; Fatima Aliko Dangote for Spearheading DIL’s Commercial Operations As Group Executive Director of Commercial Operations;  Nkiru Anumudu as Businesswoman and Influential Socialite; Owen Omogiafo for Driving Unprecedented Growth at Transcorp; Evelyn Oputu for Laying Solid Foundation at Bol; Bolaji Agbede for Blazing the Trail at Access Bank; and Nneka Enwereji, MD/CEO Citibank Nigeria Limited, as a powerhouse in every sense of the word.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe was honoured for Championing Fidelity Bank’s Expansion as the first female MD/CEO in Fidelity Bank’s history; Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Distinguished Banker, Barriers Breaker; Yemisi Edun for Steering Growth at FCMB; Kafilat Araoye for Championing Ethical Banking at Lotus Bank; Chinwe lloghalu for Advancing Financial Innovation at NOVA Bank; Miriam Olusanya for Shaping the Future of GTB; Belinda “Bella” Disu for Expanding Telecom and Real Estate; Sola David-Borha for Transforming the Banking Sector as Director, Stanbic Bank Group; Emem Nnana Usoro for Overseeing Corporate Services at CBN; Chief Folashade Noimat Okoya for Driving Innovation and Growth at Eleganza Industrial City as Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City; Halima Buba for Driving Financial Inclusion as Managing Director & CEO of Sun Trust Bank; and Ms Helen Prest Ajayi as Beauty and Brains.

Under Energy, Oil and Gas, ENERGY, Senator Daisy Danjuma was recognised as a Politician & Philanthropist; Winifred Akpani as Champion of Down Stream Oil & Gas; Uju Ifejika as a Leading Oil/Gas Woman; Adesuwa Dozie as a Lawyer & Oil Woman; and Amina Maina as Inspirational Oil Business Executive as Managing Director of MRS Oil.

The Media, Entertainment and Arts category had Mo Abudu for Reshaping Africa’s Media Landscape; three times 25 Most Powerful Woman in Journalism in Africa, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu for Pioneering Media Leadership as the first editor to lead the daily, Saturday, and Sunday editions of THISDAY Newspaper. She was also the founding Managing Director of ARISE News, where she brought sharp editorial focus and leadership to the platform; Ruth Osime as Renowned Fashion Editor and TV Host; Ojy Okpe for Taking Trends Mainstream with Panache; Kadaria Ahmed for Canvassing Independent, Impactful Journalism; and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a Celebrated Storyteller.

Chioma Ude, too, was recognised for Elevating the Quality of African Films as the Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); Funke Akindele, for The Box Office Queen of Nollywood role; Nike Davies-Okundaye as Advocate of African Art, founder of Nike Art Gallery, and a mentor in traditional Nigerian art forms; Zuriel Oduwole as Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and global advocate for girls’ education through documentary filmmaking and policy influence; Victoria Abiola Ajayi for Spearheading Innovation in Broadcasting as Group MD & CEO of TVC Communications; and Ngozi Alaegbu for Elevating Journalism as an ARISE News Anchor and Senior Journalist.

For Technology and Innovation, Juliet Ehimuan was honoured for Driving Digital Transformation in Africa; Kofo Akinkugbe as a Leading Figure in Nigeria’s Fintech Sector; Tito Ovia for Revolutionising Nigeria’s Healthcare through Tech; and Odunayo Eweniyi for Driving Financial Inclusion through Digital Solutions.

In the standalone Fashion category, Reni Folawiyo was highlighted for Revolutionising Retail Landscape in Nigeria through Alára.

Under Healthcare and Social Impact were the likes of Joke Bakare for Championing Innovative Healthcare Solutions Joke; Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli for Equipping Young Leaders; Awele Vivian Elumelu for Dedication to Improving Healthcare Access; Fola Laoye for Advancing Healthcare Investment as Co-Founder & CEO of Iwosan Investments Limited; Awuneba Ajumogobia for Strengthening Education and Energy as Chair, Grange Schools & Co-Founder, Mainstream Energy Solutions; Kate Isa for Enhancing Science and Technology as Founder & CEO of Katchey Company Limited; Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu as Cancer Warrior on a Global Stage; and Toyin Saraki Advancing Maternal and Stage Child Health as President of The Wellbeing Foundation.

For Justice, Law and Security, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap was awarded for Leading Efforts to Modernise Border Security; AIG Margaret Ochalla was honoured for Tackling Crime AIG; Chief Mrs. Folake Solanke, SAN as a Historic Legal Trailblazer; Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang as Defender of Justice and Integrity; and Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem CFR for Shaping Nigeria’s Judicial Landscape as the President of the Court of Appeal.

Finally, in a Global Recognition for Contribution to Fashion across Africa, Supermodel and Fashion Icon, Naomi Campbell  for spotlighting African designers on global runways and red carpets.

The highpoints of the night were the electrifying performances from some of Nigeria’s frontline musical acts like Teniola Apata, stage named, Teni Makanaki, and legendary Nigerian singer, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa.

The duo impressed the audience with their amazing vocals and and singable lyrics, from Eyo, to Case, Hustle, Billionaire, Fire on the Mountain, No One Knows, amongst others, thrilling the audience, who danced and sang along in harmonious rhythm, climaxing the eventful evening.

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