The exclusive event brought together key stakeholders across the private sector, philanthropy, and development space for a results-driven dialogue aimed at advancing the Ministry’s 10-million-women empowerment mandate, with an emphasis on strengthening public-private partnerships to catalyze national transformation.
In a statement signed by Mr. Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister, the brunch was described as an intimate yet catalytic engagement—built around accountability, collaboration, and actionable impact.
Delivering a moving keynote, the Honourable Minister shared a pivotal life experience that redirected her journey: a health emergency involving her son, while she was preparing for a Ph.D. at Oxford University, shaped her decision to return to Nigeria and serve. Witnessing the difference in access to care between the UK and Nigeria became her driving force.
“That moment ignited a resolve in me—to ensure that every Nigerian woman and child has access to the opportunities, dignity, and care they deserve,” she said.
The Minister reflected on her legacy of reform—from her time at NAPTIP, to leading support for over two million displaced Nigerians as Federal Commissioner for Refugees, and serving as Nigeria’s first female Minister of Police Affairs.
Her call to action to the private sector was clear:“We are seeking shared value partnerships—not just funding, but expertise, platforms, mentorship, and time.”
She emphasized that closing Nigeria’s gender gap could unlock $9.3 billion annually, referencing World Bank data, and underlined that collective, deliberate action is critical to making this a reality.
The brunch also served as a platform to introduce key Ministry initiatives, including: The Happy Woman App – a digital tool for accessing services and opportunities. Nigeria for Women Project – a large-scale rural women empowerment program. MOWA x SARA Accelerator – a collaborative program with Wema Bank focused on advancing women’s safety, economic inclusion, and development.
A dynamic visual showcase offered guests interactive access to partnership opportunities, a strategic roadmap, and an exclusive preview of the upcoming 30th Anniversary Commemorative Publication, which will document milestones of Nigerian women and recognize corporate champions of gender equity.
Distinguished guests at the event included: Erelu Abiola Dosunmu (Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos), Ahunna Eziakonwa (UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Director), Bola Shagaya (Founder/CEO, Bolmus Group), Bola Adesola (Chair, Ecobank Nigeria), Uju Ifejika (Chairperson/CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria), Kemi Ibru Da Silva (Founder, WARIF), Yetunde Oni (CEO, Union Bank), Claire Omatseye (MD, JNC International), Uche Pedro (Founder, BellaNaija), and Mabel Makun, Dr. Princess Oghene, and many other influential voices in women-focused development.
While the brunch included a brief birthday nod to the Honourable Minister, the atmosphere remained centered on mission and purpose. “This is not just a moment—it’s a movement,” the Honourable Minister concluded. “It is WOMAN O’CLOCK. A Nigeria where women and girls thrive is within reach, and the time to act is now.”
The Ministry extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Anino Emuwa and the WIPIA team for spearheading the event, Chinny Okoye, SA on Strategic Partnerships, for her leadership in curating the program, and Mrs. Kunbi Uzochukwu and the team at Delborough Hotel for hosting such a powerful and elegant gathering.
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