By Mercy Onyenweli
The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration took a remarkable turn in Benin City as the HapiWify Project, in collaboration with the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOs), unveiled the maiden edition of 20 Outstanding Women leading non-governmental organizations and shaping both national and global development agendas.
These women continue to play critical leadership roles, championing grassroots impact, advocacy, and sustainable development within Benin City and beyond. Their contributions span multiple sectors, strengthening communities and institutions across the country.
Notably, they have demonstrated exceptional capacity in mobilizing communities—particularly at the grassroots level—driving meaningful and lasting change.
This maiden edition celebrates the unique contributions of these outstanding women, who have leveraged their NGO platforms to advocate for transparency, good governance, accountability, and the promotion of rights, equity, and fairness for women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
Their collective impact has redefined the development landscape, creating pathways for others, expanding opportunities, and proving that women can occupy leadership positions and deliver exceptional results.
Profiles of Honourees
Mrs. Abiola Daisy Igaga is the first female and former President of CONGOs and CEO of Take a Cue Development Initiatives (TACDI), focusing on rehabilitation of vulnerable groups. A certified trainer and UNICEF-trained child protection expert, she’s a Chartered Public Manager with experience in programme evaluation, democracy advocacy, and election monitoring. She’s also Pioneer State Chairperson, Edo State, for Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE), and holds awards for gender advocacy and environmental protection,
including a recent certificate of recognition as the Pioneer Architect of female leadership from HapiWify Project and CONGOs.
Ronke Ojeikere is a passionate advocate of human rights, particularly the protection and empowerment of women and children. She has dedicated much of her life to speaking out against injustice, gender-based violence, bullying, and all forms of abuse that threaten the dignity and safety of vulnerable people in the society.
She has used her platform (SOTHAWACA) to raise awareness, promoting justice, and supporting survivors of violence.
Through advocacy, community engagement, and public education. ,
Mrs Ronke Ojekhere through her work had strive to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced.
“My advocacy journey has taken me into communities, institutions, and public spaces where I engage with people on issues affecting women and children. I speak out against harmful practices, challenge societal attitudes that normalize abuse, and encourage communities to take responsibility for protecting the vulnerable. I strongly believe that lasting change begins with awareness, accountability, and the courage to confront wrongdoing.”
“My advocacy is not just a profession; it is a calling driven by compassion, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility to humanity. I remain committed to standing with victims, challenging injustice wherever it appears, and working tirelessly to create a society where women and children are valued, protected, and empowered.”
“Above all, I believe that every voice matters, and I will continue to use mine to promote justice, dignity, and hope for those who need it most.”
Blessing Eromon Ngozi holds a degree in Accounting and currently serves as a Program Officer with CLEEN Foundation, as well as Head of its Edo Office. She is passionate about empowering women and youth, facilitating mentorship, training, counselling, and coaching initiatives over the years.
Pastor Mrs. J.F.K. is a Human Resources Consultant and motivational speaker. She holds an MA in Human Resources Management from the University of East London, alongside other qualifications. She champions women’s empowerment, leadership development, and family transformation through the JFK Mothers and Children Care Foundation.
Dr. Irene Akhideno is a Nigerian anaesthetist, intensivist, and women’s health advocate. As President of MWAN Edo State (2023–2025), she led initiatives supporting women, children, and vulnerable populations.
Princess Francisca Elema, Esq., Chairperson of FIDA Edo, is a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s rights, promoting social justice across Edo State.
Annie Umoru is a human rights and gender advocate committed to advancing social justice and community development through grassroots engagement and civic advocacy.
Professor Azuka Ngozi Grace Alutu, a retired Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Benin, is a strong advocate for integrity and ethics. She leads initiatives focused on education and literacy empowerment.
Obeahon Precious is a community and systems impact strategist, as well as a UN Women and Girls Ambassador. She advances child protection, institutional accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Professor Georgina Omonegho Onomuale Erifeta, a Professor of Ecotoxicology and Ecological Biochemistry at Igbinedion University, is the founder of the Redefining Tomorrow Empowerment Initiative. She has mentored over 10,000 women and girls while engaging in global climate and policy discussions.
Grace Ese Obakina is a social worker and gender advocate promoting women’s rights through healthcare delivery, economic empowerment, and access to justice for vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Ugiagbe Uwayemwen Josephine is a community leader, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Multi-Chops Kitchen and Entertainment and actively supports women’s empowerment initiatives.
Ebose Iyobosa Nicholas, with over 20 years of experience, is a training and facilitation expert empowering women, youth, families, and persons with disabilities through the Jovic Empowerment Initiative.
Blessing E. Olotu is a humanitarian and entrepreneur who leads the Care for the Children and Prisoners Initiative, providing support to redirect women and youth from social vices.
Elizabeth Pedro is a global advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder of WHW Foundation, a UN Peace Ambassador, author, and philanthropist dedicated to gender equality and peacebuilding.
Patience Okhuahesuyi, Secretary of SWOFON Edo State Chapter, is an agripreneur empowering women through smart farming and agribusiness training.
Amb. Amayo Osarieme Betsy is a Girl and Women Speak Ambassador and SDG advocate. She is the founder of H.E.R Foundation, mentoring young girls for leadership.
Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo, founder of BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women (BHI), is a feminist activist addressing structural issues affecting women’s rights. She is an IVLP alumna and a recipient of the US Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award.
Blessing Aggreh is a management consultant, HR specialist, and coach.
She is the founder of CBB Consultants and leads the Blessing Aggreh Foundation, helping organizations build strong systems and teams.
Ibigotemieari Adebiyi is a Media and Communication Strategist, Clarity Coach, and Edo State Chair of the G100 SDG Wing. She is also the Visionary of Abba’s Jewels Network, empowering women through identity and purpose while helping organizations communicate with clarity and impact.
Engineer Akhigbe Amarachukwu is an Electrical engineer working as a Senior engineer with the Edo State Electrification Agency She is the founder/ Executive Director of HELP Me to SUCCEED FOUNDATION and also the iniatiator of BALANCE FUTURE INITIATIVE Future Initiative, using her voice in bringing both Male and Female gender together.
She is an author with her first book, “The Spiritual Bulldozer”
She engages with programs that can help alleviate hunger, poverty alleviation programs in general, empowering women and children through skill acquisition, education, and healthcare projects in Nigeria, promoting sustainable development, and transforming communities with innovative solutions and compassion.
She bagged a Certificate award from AFRICAN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACADEMY, United States of America of which she was given an authority to use the Academy’ logo as a partner to her Organization in carrying out any humanitarian services.
She has received other awards for her good work.
Through her programs, she is Visioning an informed society with a better standard of living.