The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Ngozi Nma Odu, delivered a compelling call for stronger mentorship, collaboration, and inclusion as pillars for advancing gender equality and sustainable development.
The event formed part of a joint commemoration of International Women’s Day and World Water Day; it was organised by the CIFAL Global Network through its Nigerian arm, drawing stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society into a unified conversation on inclusive progress.
Prof. Odu described the Women’s Elders Forum as a transformative platform, emphasising its role in fostering dialogue, advocacy, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. She highlighted mentorship as a critical driver of empowerment, noting that structured guidance equips younger generations with the confidence and tools needed to challenge inequality and shape inclusive societies.
“You can observe that all three sectors are gathered here today, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving long-term development goals.”
According to her, partnerships like these strengthen governance frameworks and create sustainable pathways for change.” She said.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the dual celebration amplifies the voices of Nigerian women while spotlighting their essential role in water resource management.
He noted that women remain at the forefront of water conservation and governance, making their inclusion indispensable to ensuring equitable access to clean water.
Delivering the keynote address, Ibim Semenitari framed mentorship as the foundation of inclusive leadership. In her address titled “Inclusive Leadership: Building Institutions that Reflect All Voices,”, she described mentorship not merely as guidance but as a vehicle for access, exposure, and the transfer of influence.
“Where mentorship flows, leadership grows. Where mentorship is blocked, inequality deepens,” she stated, calling for a shift from traditional hierarchical mentoring systems to more collaborative and structured engagements that reflect the realities of today’s youth.
Also speaking at the event, Ihuoma Njemanze highlighted the global scope of the CIFAL initiative, established in 2003 and coordinated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. She explained that the Port Harcourt centre was founded to support training and multi-stakeholder cooperation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme concluded with a renewed call to action for stakeholders to amplify marginalised voices, invest in mentorship frameworks, and build institutions that reflect diversity and inclusion—ensuring that no group is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Ngozi Nma Odu (Right), being received by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi (Left), to the CIFAL Nigeria, Mentoring the Next Generation and Joint Commemoration of UN International Women’s Day and World Water Day at the University Complex, on the 24th March, 2026