Press Release

Abuja, March 29, 2016

CELD Unveils Top 50 Nigerian Women of Power and Influence at Abuja Confab

Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), a frontline gender development and leadership organization, in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), shall be unveiling the top 50 Nigerian Women of Power and Influence- an elite list of women who are using their positions as leaders to serve our nation, as well as the top power organizations championing Women empowerment and development in the country; during its upcoming Gender development conference in Abuja later this month. CELD, alongside its strategic partners, is hosting the Nigeria Power Women Conference & Expo 2016 billed to hold from 26-27 April 2016 at the Sheraton hotel, Abuja Nigeria – and is open to all women, lovers of women progress and development, as well as organizations whose products, policies and programs positively uplift and empower Nigerian women.

This conference, which promises to be a power gathering of women and organizations from diverse spheres of the Nigerian experience is organized in commemoration of the 2016 International Women’s Day celebration and has as theme- “An Empowered Woman in the new Nigeria”.

Speaking, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mrs. Furo Giami said “this theme is apt as Nigeria is in the centre of novel transformations in the country’s evolution, as is evident by a brand new direction from a new government. Though this connotes brand new opportunities for the women folk, the exciting new recognition comes with new challenges for women.

The conference is expected to critically highlight the preparedness of Nigerian women in diverse sectors of the economy, to take up new roles, responsibilities, challenges and the opportunities that are bound to open up, in line with this new development.

According to Mrs. Giami, “Principal stakeholders, already confirmed for this event are: Her Excellency, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as The Special Guest of Honour; Senator Binta Masi Garba, Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, as Patron. Her Excellency, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria as Keynote Speaker.

Other confirmed stakeholders include: HE Mrs. Hajiya Salamatu Al-Makura, Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State; Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu, Wife of the Governor of Kebbi state; Senator Princess Stella Oduah, National Assembly, Abuja; Senator Donzella James, Georgia State Senate, USA; Audrey Joe Ezigbo, Executive Director Falcon Petroleum; Dr. Joyce Aryee, former CEO, Ghana Chamber of Mines and former Minister of the Republic of Ghana; Bank of Industry (BOI) Nigeria, National Pension Commission and Consumer Protection Council; among others”.

Speaking further, Mrs Giami also stated that “ CELD is pleased to announce that the Nigeria Defence Authority is partnering with us to carry out a major aspect of this conference on the 27^th of April 2016 – The Heroes of the Nigerian Military Initiative; aimed at honoring Nigeria’s men of courage, fighting insurgency, whilst empowering wives of fallen heroes”.

Highlights of the conference include the Nigeria Power Women Awards aimed at celebrating the strength and rise of Nigerian Women over various times and seasons; in contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. The awards will also honor Men and Institutions who have contributed immensely to the rise and strength of the Nigerian Woman; successfully engaging and supporting the economic development of women in all ramifications.

The conference will culminate into a post event Women leadership development training workshop on 28 April 2016. This one of a kind conference cum training workshop therefore offers to women an opportunity to access higher levels of awareness that will translate directly to their success. Instructors would use state of the art learning tools in a relaxed environment to deliver on the course objectives. Women would be able to identify simple, yet powerful strategies that can be applied to one’s future, while building relationships with other like-minded women executives.

About CELD

Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), is an an organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC); with a core mandate to bring true and enduring empowerment to women at various levels, circumstances, cultures and tribes; whilst re defining the theory and practice of inclusive leadership and education for the youth and the various societies where we operate.

CELD is a leading human capacity, gender empowerment and development-based organisation that see itself as a catalyst and thought leader in developing the theory and practice of leadership, social, educational and economic empowerment particularly in Africa, and also the developing countries of the Middle East, South America and Asia.

Interested participants, who are not already registered, can do so by contacting the press contact below.

Press Contact

Kembet Bolton

Programmes Director, CELD

info@celd.org.uk

08039095696