African Hub for Innovation and Development (AHFID) has pledged to advance gender equity by recognising and honouring top women voices in development and the non-governmental organisations (NGO) sector.
The organisation said it aims to, through these awards, recognise exceptional women who have made significant contributions to sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
According to AHFID the Top 50 Women Voices that were honoured have demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and impact across various areas, including gender equality, education, health, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and policy advocacy.
Adedamola Bafuwa, manager, Insights & Social Impact, AHFID, said the women voices not only echo the needs of marginalised communities but also drive the policies and programmes that are creating lasting change.
“This recognition is part of our broader commitment to amplifying local voices, championing gender equity, and supporting development actors who are committed to building stronger, more inclusive societies”, he added.
Bafuwa said that each honouree was selected based on their leadership, impact and contributions to sustainable development.
“As we celebrate these women, we also renew our commitment to supporting women-led development initiatives and ensuring that the development sector remains inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the realities of all communities, Bafuwa said.
Some of the notable honourees include: Mairo Mandara, chief adviser and coordinator, Sustainable Development, Partnerships, and Humanitarian Support to the governor of Borno State; Aderonke Agbaje, director of programmes, Special Projects IHVN; Awolola Busayo, public health professional and founder of WEDFORUM; and Osasuyi Dirisu, executive director of the Policy Innovation Centre; Senior Fellow, Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Faith Lannap, chief of party, USAID THRIVE South Project; Adedamola Adebayo, co-Founder and executive director, Racheal Adebayo Foundation (RAF); Eno Usoroh, public health specialist & WHO Afro region consultant for the Green Light Committee on PMDT; Chibby Dangana, CEO, Data Factory Global; and Kelechi Okoro, health influencer & founder of Heal for Africa.
Others are Aderonke Ige Motunrayo, founder, Help Initiative for Social Justice & Humanitarian Development; Nelly Munyasia, regional director, co-chair of the AAN Board, and Steering Committee member at the UN Foundation’s Accountability Platform; Adetokunbo Bolanle Oyeledun, co-founder the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes (CIHP); Jennifer Anyanti, deputy managing director, Strategy, Technical and Growth (STG), Society for Family Health (SFH); Esther Nwanja, associate director, Pediatrics/PMTCT, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS); Jennifer Adebambo, country manager, Partnership & Collaborations, Society for Family Health (SFH); Orezi Adhekoyibo, senior manager, Vector Control – Global Fund Malaria Grant; Comfort Umoh, senior human resources management, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI); Mayowa Adegbile, founder & executive director Ashake Foundation; Wealth Adaku Ajiboye, education specialist, GOALPrime Nigeria; and Halimat Omowumi Olaniyan, public health professional & founder, AFAY Health Initiative.
