PRESS RELEASE

24th October 2016, Lagos, Nigeria

To mark its 110th anniversary in Nigeria, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has lined up a week-long programme aimed largely at empowering Nigerian women and girls, and recognising those who have been in that vanguard.

A statement jointly signed by the National President of YWCA and the Chairperson of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha and Dr Arinola Oluwo respectively, indicates that the high point of the programme will be the raising of funds to execute projects aimed at improving the lives of women and girls in the country; and the conferment of awards on “some model citizens from different walks of life for their invaluable service to humanity and support to women and girls’ empowerment.”

Among those to be honoured are Mrs Patience Ambode the first Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ebele Obiano, First Lady of Anambra state, and Mrs Regina Lalong, First Lady of Plateau state, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mrs Victoria Majekodunmi, National Coordinator of Friendship Bible Fellowship Ministries; Sir Mike Nwakalor, an investor and businessman, Mrs Ifeoma Ojemeni-Okali, a legal expert in gender and conflict resolution, Sir Edwin Mmueomenam, Mrs Gladys Talabi, Mr.Toyin Okeowo and Mrs Adenike Oluyemisi Idowu among others.

 
The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 29th, at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, will be chaired by Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo while the keynote address will come from Mr. Praise Fowowe of the Centre for Sex Education and Family Life. Mrs Bisi Osinbajo, mother of Nigeria’s Vice-president, will be the Mother of the Day.
Other highlights of the anniversary programme include visits to the less privileged and internally displaced people in Abuja, Plateau and Edo states, and a seminar on women’s health at the AVMCC, Ikeja.

 
The YWCA is a world-wide organisation that dates back to 1855 when it came into existence in Great Britain. It was formed in Nigeria in 1906 with the first branch in Abeokuta. Today, it has grown into many branches with thousands of members. The association has a long history of empowering women and girls to lead positive change in their communities. In many countries, it runs affordable hostel facilities in major cities aimed at helping young women and girls who cannot afford hotel and apartment costs.

Signed:

Lady Chikwue Ochiagha(National President),  Dr. Arinola Oluwo (Chair, Anniversary Committee)