Young women aged 21 to 35 gathered at the State Banquet Hall in Abuja, as Beyond Boundaries, in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, hosted them in Leadership Conference.
The event shattered expectations and set a bold new precedent for women’s leadership, financial literacy, and digital empowerment in Nigeria. From the opening address by Beyond Boundaries founder, Olu Olufemi-White, the atmosphere was electric with hope and ambition. Attendees were immersed in a full-day experience that went beyond conferences. A dynamic wellness hub and self-care centre offered everything from mini massages to mental health workshops, emphasising that true leadership starts with personal wellbeing.
Sessions led by Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Owen Omogiafo, Ibukun Oyedeji, and music star Teniola Apata delivered practical strategies on breaking barriers, building wealth, and leading with authenticity and impact.
To underscore the conference’s commitment to tangible empowerment, Beyond Boundaries awarded scholarships for digital literacy courses to deserving young women, and solar panels were distributed through raffle draws, giving participants not just inspiration but real tools to fuel their futures.
As Olu Olufemi-White stated: “This is only the beginning. Nigerian women are not just participating in the future, they are leading it.”
AWP Network’s EcoAction Summit empowers women, youths in Ekiti
The African Women Power (AWP) Network has officially launched the EcoAction Summit and Empowerment Fair. The two-day capacity building programme was established for deliberate action towards reducing poverty and for empowering the informal sector.
The programme was created to support women and youths economically while contributing to environmental sustainability and organised by Founder of The AWP Network, Mary Olushoga in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Public Procurement led by James Folorunsho, Special Adviser and Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Public Procurement.
Sessions conducted within the two-day programme were led by subject matter experts to include Uche Ozorbemem, popularly known as “The Creative Nerd.” Ozorbemem, Chief Storyteller at The Creativenerd Studios, taught participants how to leverage their digital capacity. NICERT CEO, Annabel Kamuche educated participants on how to access international markets; and the intensive business plan session was conducted by Aderemi Ademiju, business growth coach.
Other members of the Ekiti State EcoAction organising committee include Dr. Abimbola Oni – Technical Advisor to the Ekiti State Governor, Kikelola Aruwajoye-Ajayi; Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, Oluwatobi Oyeyemi – Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State; Engineer Samuel Ogundare, Engineer Bolanle Oladele, and Oluwaseun Malomo.
According to Olushoga, “AWP is on a mission and the launch of the EcoAction Summit and Empowerment Fair makes it very clear that we not only understand our mission, but we are on the path to accomplishing more complex goals. The event in Ekiti was an absolute success. We celebrate our local and international partners, and we are glad to have launched in Ekiti. We look forward to returning in 2026 with a much better agenda.”
The event was at capacity with over 1200 attendees. Food was provided and cash prizes were won. Programme participants learned how to pitch their businesses, boost their self-confidence, and self-esteem.
A major outcome of the EcoAction Summit and Empowerment Fair is to help launch new businesses by assisting those who otherwise cannot afford it with their CAC Business registration. This programme is fully supported by UK International Development, The Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership, and The Global Plastic Action Partnership.
