From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
It was indeed a period of glory for Nigerian women at the FLAIR Summit put together by Dr. Yvonne Thompson of Wintrade Global women in Business Network Ltd. The event was also designed to honour African women who have made their marks in various fields of human endeavour and to challenge them to aspire for higher heights in leadership and governance.
In a chat with a Nigerian-American based legal executive, Paschal Chinedum Opara, who served as consultant to the fair, he said that the aim was to honour African women who have made their marks in various fields of human endeavor. Opara’s company, Icon Accountants, also served as the tax advisers to the organization. Opara was also part of a dynamic team of 11 overcomers from across Africa, led by two exceptional women: Mrs Grace Baloufiti, originally from Kogi State, Nigeria, and Ms Nyarai Ncube, a Zimbabwean married to a man from Edo State, Nigeria, who made the event a success.
Indeed, Nigerian women, led by the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum Chairperson and Kwara State First Lady, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, showcased the resilience and entrepreneurial ability of Nigerian women. They also demonstrated that Nigerian women can deliver outstanding leadership if given the opportunity.
The two-day event, held at the House of Lords featured delegates from across Africa and the UK, including first ladies, policymakers, investors, and project leaders. For the delegates in various businesses, especially from UK, it was a rare opportunity to access high-level roundtables on ESG, DEI, and sustainable growth, meet vetted African projects and social enterprise leaders and build their profile in global media and public policy spaces.
The Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum delivered powerfully for Nigeria. Under the outstanding leadership of Amb. Prof. Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Nigeria’s voice rang loud and clear on the world stage. She spoke eloquently on leadership, spotlighting the remarkable strides being made by Nigerian women. Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III of Warri, offered invaluable support, bringing further attention to Nigeria’s role in advancing African women’s leadership.
At the House of Commons, Prof. Abdulrazaq embodied her diplomatic spirit. She built on her earlier remarks, calling on fellow First Ladies, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, the First Lady of Oyo State; First Lady of Yobe State, Hajiya Hafsat Buni Kolere; Borno State First Lady, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum; Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, First Lady of Adamawa, and the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajia Zulaihat Dikko Radda, to showcase their vital works through NGOs and state programmes—especially efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Their dedication was met with well-earned praise.Her Majesty, the Olori, also took the stage with grace and conviction, emphasising that African women are already leading—and that this momentum must not slow. Her rallying cry was clear: the work is far from over.
On Tuesday, June 17, a powerful video message from Dr Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the African First Ladies under the African Union, sparked a pivotal moment. In response, the Olori, issued a heartfelt challenge to African women and girls. She shared a deeply personal story about being told that a first girl child was not as important as a first son. That moment became her lifelong motivator. She urged every African woman to reject such harmful narratives wherever they surface.
Ambassador Razak gave a masterclass in leadership. With her team, she seamlessly aligned their work with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria’s First Lady. Their efforts sparkled on an international stage. A particularly touching moment was the outpouring of affection and respect for the Governor of Borno, who was not present but was represented by his wife. Messages of support were also shared with Dr Mairo Mandara, Chief Adviser to the Borno Governor on Sustainability, who offered striking insights during a panel—particularly on how dress impacts cultural acceptance, a comment that resonated deeply with many.
On June 18, Kenyan women took centre stage. A panel chaired by Mrs Grace Baloufiti addressed the theme: Turbo-Charging Women’s Collaboration in Africa. Nigerian delegates focused on primary healthcare, while their Kenyan counterparts emphasised women’s education.
One unforgettable story came from a woman who had never been allowed to visit Nairobi but was present with at the Royal Leonardo Hotel, the summit venue. Her presence alone earned a standing ovation.
Yet, the realities for women in Kenya were sobering. Delegates shared the everyday battles they face. In a startling development, it was revealed that Kenyan men have pushed for a law, allowing a man to marry a second wife without informing the first. A distinguished professor from the University of Nairobi responded with educational programmes to combat this emotional abuse. The Kenyan delegation answered with song and dance—a defiant expression of unity and resilience.
In our view, Kenyan men may be unwittingly hastening their emphasised decline. Managing one household is challenging enough, adding more only compounds the stress. Polygamy, far from a solution, is a recipe for early burnout.
At the Gala Awards dinner, inspired once again by a goodwill message from Dr Fatima Bio, the summit reached its emotional peak. The organisers, ably led by Dr Yvonne Thompson, originally from Guyana—bestowed top honours on Her Majesty the Olori for her past, present, and ongoing contributions to women’s leadership in Africa. Ambassador AbdulRasaq and her team were covered in symbolic gold. On behalf of Nigeria’s First Lady and the women and girls of Nigeria, they accepted a prestigious award for their tireless work against gender-based violence, a scourge Nigerian women are boldly confronting.
Kenyan women were also recognised for their extraordinary contributions. The event was not without controversy. The Zimbabwean delegation faced significant unrest. Protesters opposed the participation of their First Lady, forcing her to withdraw amid threats. The country’s ambassador to the UK and Ireland stepped in. In a gesture of solidarity, Zimbabwe has offered to host next year’s summit.
It was really moments of joy for Opara, who, on the opening day at the House of Lords, made a personal declaration. “At 65, having spent two-thirds of my life studying and raising a family, I’ve known male leadership my entire life. And I have known disappointment after disappointment. I now yearn to be led by women, for a change, and emphasised peace. I was raised by a woman. My father died when I was just 17, and my mother raised six children on her own, educating every single one of us. Today, I am married with five daughters (all thriving professionally) and a son. I know firsthand the value of a woman’s leadership.
“Nigeria is blessed with countless women like Mrs. Abdulrazaq. We must find them, support them, and give them space to lead. It’s time for African men to step aside. We’ve had our turn, and we are living proof of what male leadership has achieved.
“To women like Mrs. Abdilrazaq know this, men will not surrender their imagined God-given right to rule without a push. But you have the numbers. Unite, vote for one another. Your children, including those in the diaspora, will stand with you.
“This is your time. Go for it. Her Majesty the Olori has shown that it is possible.”
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