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April 8, 2026
Leading and Emerging Women Conference Abuja 2026
May 9, 2026
Abuja – The President of Focus Africa, Ambassador Bright Succex, has officially inaugurated the Focus Africa Women International Forum with a strong call on African women leaders to promote inclusion, collaboration, mentorship, and economic development across the continent.
The inauguration ceremony, which brought together prominent women leaders, professionals, diplomats, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advocates from different sectors, marked the formal unveiling of the forum as a strategic platform dedicated to advancing women empowerment and sustainable development in Africa.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Bright Succex described the Focus Africa Women International Forum as a transformational initiative created to unite African women under a common vision of leadership, innovation, enterprise, and social impact. According to him, the forum was established to create opportunities for mentorship, strategic partnerships, economic inclusion, and policy engagement that would empower women and young people across Africa.
He emphasized that Africa’s growth and transformation cannot be fully achieved without the active participation and leadership of women in governance, business, technology, peacebuilding, and community development. He further urged members of the forum to become ambassadors of unity, excellence, and collaborative progress within their respective countries and communities.
A major highlight of the inauguration was the emergence of Barr. Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, Executive Director/CEO of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, as the African Chair of the Focus Africa Women Forum. Her appointment was widely applauded as a reflection of her experience in administration, trade development, and leadership.
Barr. Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, while speaking with newsmen shortly after her decoration as African Chair of the Focus Africa Women International Forum, pledged to advance women empowerment and drive inclusive development across the African continent. She described the recognition as both humbling and a greater responsibility, noting her commitment to strengthening collaboration, expanding opportunities for women, and contributing meaningfully to sustainable growth across Africa.
The newly inaugurated Governing Council of the forum features accomplished personalities from governance, finance, energy, education, security, and international relations. Among them are Hajiya Salihu Ibrahim, Founder of Autogas Nigeria Ltd., serving as Board Member and Matron; Amb. Dr. Blessing Irabor-Oza, Continental Ambassador of the forum; and H.E. Amb. Halima Shekarau, former First Lady of Kano State, who also serves as Board Member and Matron.
Other members include AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo; Dr. Limota Goroso, Director of International Cooperation; Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, former Managing Director of Lotus Bank Nigeria; Hon. Asabe Vilitta Bashir, former Director General of Maryam Babangida Women Centre; Dr. Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, President of Women in Mining in Nigeria; Hon. Chinwe Chukwu, former Commissioner for Education in Imo State; and Amb. Dr. Mrs. Joy Zeluwa Sotunde of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The National Executive Council includes Amb. Dr. Lemu Aisha Salihu as National Coordinator; Ms. Regina Dekposi of DAAR Communications PLC as National Secretary; Hajia Rabi Umar Tedman as Executive Director of Contact and Mobilization; Mrs. Patricia Oghale Teidi (JP) as Director of Protocols; Ebere Ojadua as National Publicity Secretary; Lt. Col. Susan Johnson as National Security Adviser; and Amb. Mrs. Ewor Sandra Ukeh as Program Director.
In recognition of her longstanding contribution to national development and women advancement, H.E. Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, former First Lady of Nigeria, was announced as the Grand Matron of the organization.
The inauguration concluded with renewed commitments toward strengthening women’s leadership, promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging continental collaboration, and supporting policies that foster economic empowerment and sustainable development across Africa.
