On Saturday night, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria hosted the second edition of the International Women’s Day Awards in Lagos, in partnership with several diplomatic missions and delegations.
The awards ceremony recognized prominent Nigerian women who are contributing to leadership and gender equality in the country, with prizes given in categories such as Private Sector, Grassroots and Civil Society, Leadership and Governance, and Media and Culture.
The winners in these categories included Priscilla Iyari, Aisha Zannah, Grace Alache Jerry, and Kemi Adetiba. The event highlighted the importance of gender equality and women’s inclusion, with several speakers emphasizing the need for more role models and examples for women to aspire to in their careers.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dame Pauline Tallen, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, who dedicated the award to Nigerian women and applauded the efforts of female ambassadors to support the cause of women.
The theme for IWD2023, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” was also discussed, with Mohamed Yahya, Resident Representative of UNDP in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for Nigerian women to be part of the digital, technology, and knowledge-based economy. Other winners included Aisha Tofa, Prince Clem Agba, and Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.