The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Nigeria recently celebrated its 120thanniversary with a call for women to be committed to women’s empowerment, leadership development and community service.

The theme, titled: “Empowering Women and Serving Our Communities,”held at Archbishop Akinde Conference Centre, Bariga, Lagos brought together distinguished personalities, as well as members of the association to reflect on the organisation’s rich history and its contributions to nation-building over the last 120 years.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr(Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commended YWCA for its enduring legacy of impacting lives, promoting moral values and advancing the cause of women and girls across Nigeria.

She described the YWCA’s journeyas a testament to the power of faith-driven service and community development.

The First Lady, who was represented by Mrs Oyinda Ogunsanwo-Emmanuel said,”For 120 years, the YWCA has remained a beacon of hope, empowering women, nurturing young girls and strengthening communities, across our nation. As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to build societies where women are equipped with the skills, opportunities and support needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Chairperson of the occasion,Justice Raliat Bukola Adebiyi, praised generations of YWCA leaders for their dedication and sacrifice, describing the organisation as one of the most enduring platforms for women’s advancement in Nigeria.
She said the association’s commitment fostered leadership, education and social responsibility among women and had remained relevant in an ever-changing world.

Adebiyi said: “The story of YWCA is the story of resilience, compassion and purposeful service. Its legacy reminds us that we have a responsibility to connect generations for sustainable development, by empowering women and girls to reach their full potential.”

Delivering her keynote address, Professor Olugbemisola Mopelola Ọmoegun, charged women to embrace leadership opportunities and remaincommitted to service and community transformation.

She emphasised that empowering women goes beyond advocacy and must translate into practical actions that expand access to education, economic opportunities and mentorship for younger generations.

“Empowerment is not merely about occupying positions of influence; it is about creating pathways for others to rise. The next generation of women must inherit stronger institutions, greater opportunities and a culture of service that places humanity at its centre,” Ọmoegun said.

The celebration also featured the presentation of “Awards of Impact” to distinguished women whose lives and contributions have positively influenced society.

Those honoured were Chief (Mrs) Olubisi Osinbajo,mother of former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo;Ajasin’s family in Ondo State, represented by Mrs Jumoke Anifowose alongside other eminent women recognised for their exceptional service, leadership and contributions to community development.

The National President of YWCA Nigeria, Mrs. Faith Jadu, urged members to preserve the association’s enduring values and continue building on the foundation laid by its pioneers.

She described the celebration as a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the YWCA’s mission.

Jadu said: “As we celebrate 120 years, we are not just looking back with gratitude; we are looking forward with responsibility. Nigeria needs what YWCA carries, women of integrity, women of skill, women of faith who will lead in the home, the church, the marketplace and in the nation.”

Urging members to remain steadfast, YWCA’sPresident saidthey must continue to develop women and girls who are valued, protected, educated, skilled and empowered to lead.

The anniversary attracted dignitaries from across the country. YWCA of Nigeria was founded in 1906, and has played a pivotal role in promoting women and girls welfare and development.