- Who: 80 outstanding Nigerian women
- What: Arise Gala for Women Making Impact
- Why: To celebrate International Women’s Month and recognize women’s contributions
- Where: Eko Convention Center, Lagos
A Night of Celebration and Inspiration
The Arise Gala for Women Making Impact, held at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, was more than just a glitzy event. It was a moment to recognize the significant contributions of women in Nigeria and across the globe. The theme of the night was clear: when women thrive, economies prosper, and new opportunities open up for everyone.
Voices of Empowerment
The event featured some heavy hitters, including Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She emphasized the importance of diversity in appointments and providing women with the training and experience they need to break barriers. Other notable attendees included former President Goodluck Jonathan and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Keynote from Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
In an exclusive interview, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the progress being made and offered advice for women looking to climb the ladder:
- Qualifications Matter: Ensure you have the right training and experience.
- Take Risks: Be ready to seize opportunities, even if they seem challenging.
- Men as Allies: Men need to support and create opportunities for women.
Okonjo-Iweala also pointed out the slow pace of change globally, noting that it could take over 130 years to close the global gender gap. She stressed the economic benefits of empowering women, citing estimates that the world could add trillions to its GDP by giving women equal opportunities.
Awards Across Diverse Fields
The awards were divided into ten categories, recognizing women’s achievements in various fields:
- Global Recognition for Contribution to Fashion Across Africa
- 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
- Justice, Law and Security Award
Jonathan’s Legacy of Female Empowerment
Former President Goodluck Jonathan proudly stated that he appointed more women to key positions during his tenure than any other president in Nigeria’s history. He emphasized the importance of including women in all sectors, comparing it to fertilizing an entire farm for maximum yield.
Notable Award Recipients
Here’s a glimpse at some of the remarkable women who were honored:
- Oby Ezekwesili: Former Minister of Solid Minerals, recognized for her philanthropy and advocacy.
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Senator Representing Kogi Central, honored as a Bold Voice for Good Governance.
- Shade Okoya: Business leader of Eleganza Limited, celebrated for her contributions to business.
- Naomi Campbell: Honored for spotlighting African designers on global runways and red carpets.
Entertainment and Celebrations
The night wasn’t just about awards; it was also a celebration of Nigerian talent. Musical performances by Teni and Asa had the audience dancing and singing along, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The Arise Gala for Women Making Impact serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential of Nigerian women. By celebrating their achievements and advocating for greater opportunities, Arise News is contributing to a future where women can thrive and drive positive change in all sectors of society. It’s a call to action for everyone to support women’s empowerment and create a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
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