21 Nov
It was a night of glitz and glamour as the 2021 edition of Africa Women Impact Summit and Awards which took place at the prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotels and Towers on Thursday assembled notable women who have made significant contributions in the development of the African Continent.
Among those honoured with award of excellence include, Nollywood screen goddess, film producer and singer, Juliet Ibrahim, House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, former chairman First Bank PLC, Ibukun Awosika, former first lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, and Hon. Francisca Oteng Mensah, the youngest member of Ghana Parliament.
The event was hosted by a renowned TV personality, Adaora Onyechere of African Independent Television, AIT and Dr. Amb. Utchay Odims, Co-founder Global Initiative for Africa and member Governing board, Africa Women Impact Summit.
The winner of 2021 Big Brother Naija show, Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as White Money flagged off Capacity building training for 1000 women after the launching of Africa Women Impact Training Academy.
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan was represented at the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
Also in attendance were, Her Excellency Aisha Babangida Chairman Better Life program for the African rural women and Dr Patience Ndidi Key; former Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Chambers of Commerce USA and others
The event which commenced with panel discussion x-rayed the participation of women in politics, social media impact and ways of maximizing the social space to accommodate more women, financial inclusion among other issues bordering on the development of women in the continent.
The event which was a deliberate effort to increase women participation in politics had in attendance Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Talen, Former First Lady of Ghana who was ably represented and a host of others.
Also honoured with award of excellence was the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Rwandan Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mukabalisa Donatille, the Executive Governor of Rivers, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Founder and President of African Children Talent Discovery foundation, Engr. Dr. Noah Dallaji and the Chairman of Hip TV, Ayo Animashaun.
Women representation in the Nigerian political space is believed to be on the decline with less than 10 percent parliamentarians being women in the male-dominated National Assembly and states Houses of Assembly, comparative to other Africa countries Nigeria needs to step its advocacy to ensure equal opportunity and representation for women in leadership positions.
Speaking with the conveners;
Dr. David James Egwu, Mudiaga D. Akakabota, Amb. Utchay Odims and Adaora Onyechere they hinted that the 2022 Edition tagged the international edition will hold in Lagos Nigeria and would welcome participation from Africans across the world.
