Women leaders from government, diplomacy, development institutions and civil society have reiterated the importance of inclusive leadership, partnerships and women’s empowerment in advancing Nigeria’s and Africa’s development.
Speaking at the Women Leaders Networking Meeting in Abuja, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said Africa’s transformation would depend on building inclusive leadership.
“It is an opportunity to pause, connect and reflect on one important truth: Africa’s transformation will depend on the quality, diversity and inclusiveness of the leadership we build today,” she said.
Attafuah noted that the gathering built on discussions held during the UNDP Regional Director for Africa’s mission to Nigeria, bringing together conversations on trade, innovation, investment, partnerships and Africa’s future through “one defining lens: the leadership of women”.
Paying tribute to the UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, she said:
“Throughout her tenure, she has helped redefine how the UNDP and many of us think about Africa’s future—not as a continent of challenges to be managed but as a continent of opportunity, innovation, investment and transformation to be unlocked.”
She highlighted initiatives including the Africa Promise, Timbuktoo, engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area through HerAfCFTA, the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership and YouthConnekt Africa.
According to Attafuah, “Across all of this runs one defining conviction: that Africa’s future will increasingly be shaped by African leadership, African ideas and African solutions.”
Emphasising collaboration, she added:
“If there is one lesson that runs consistently through the Regional Director’s work, it is that transformation is never achieved by institutions working alone. It is accelerated when leaders come together around shared purpose, shared ambition and shared action.”
The First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, speaking, reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the welfare of women, young people and children.
“All events concerning women are important; all people in women’s spaces are important. We continue to work for women, to fight for women’s causes, and as you know, when the Nigerian Government started this forum with us, we worked to promote women, youth and children.”
She said supporting vulnerable groups remained central to the work of first ladies.
“We try to eradicate abject poverty by helping women with grants, by helping the less privileged, by helping the indigent in society.”
She acknowledged the support of UNDP and other development partners and pledged the commitment of Nigerian first ladies.
“I want you to know that you can partner with us in all areas. First ladies are not shy to be involved in health, in social investment, in humanitarian activity, in education, and in tech,” she affirmed.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Imo State and Chair of the Progressive Governors’ Spouses Forum, Chioma Uzodimma, congratulated Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa for her leadership and service.
“As an illustrious daughter of Imo State, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa continues to make us proud through her exceptional leadership, commitment to sustainable development and outstanding service to humanity.”
She said Eziakonwa’s accomplishments reflected the potential of Nigerian women.
“Our remarkable achievements on the global stage stand as a testament to the infinite potential of Nigerian women and serve as inspiration to countless young girls across our nation.”
Uzodimma also commended the organisers, saying:
“I commend the Minister of Women Affairs, the Minister of foreign affairs and the United Nations Development Programme for recognising and celebrating women whose leadership, influence and service are shaping the future of Nigeria and Africa.”
Paying tribute to Eziakonwa, an indigene of Imo State, she said:
“As we honour this exceptional daughter of Imo State, may her journey continue to inspire generations, strengthen Africa’s development agenda and reaffirm the indispensable role of women in building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable world. We celebrate her remarkable accomplishments and the values of excellence, integrity and selfless service that she exemplifies.”
The Women Leaders Networking meeting
Women Leading Africa’s Next Chapter was convened by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria and co-convened by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Minister of foreign affairs In honour of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa.
The meeting provided a strategic platform to connect established and emerging women leaders, strengthen networks for mentorship, collaboration and partnership, promote intergenerational leadership exchange, and encourage collective action to advance women’s participation across sectors.
