Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) has formally launched its United Kingdom chapter in London, unveiling plans to deepen mentorship, policy advocacy and leadership development for African women across the UK and Europe.
The two-day inaugural programme, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, professionals and women changemakers from Africa and the diaspora, featured a mayoral reception, an inaugural leadership lecture and a gala dinner.
The event opened at the Islington Town Hall, where Her Worshipful the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro, hosted participants at the Town Hall Chambers, a statement in Abuja said.
The engagement focused on the growing role of women in governance, public service and cross-cultural leadership, setting the stage for the formal inauguration of the organisation’s UK chapter.
The highlight of the programme was an inaugural lecture and gala dinner held at the InterContinental Hotel Ballroom under the theme, “Leading for Lasting Impact.”
A fireside conversation on “Character, Competence and Consistency” formed a major part of the evening, with speakers examining the qualities required to build enduring institutions and sustain effective leadership.
Moderated by Prof. Uduak Archibong, the discussion featured leadership and transformation expert, Udeme Etukeyen; outgoing Oxfordshire County Councillor, Dr. Dianne Regisford; and renowned wealth strategist, Grace Ofure.
The panellists stressed the importance of credibility, integrity and consistency in leadership, arguing that lasting impact depends on the ability of leaders to build systems and institutions that can outlive their individual tenures.
Among the prominent personalities at the event were Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, who was honoured as the AWLO “Phenomenal Woman of the Year.”
Also in attendance was the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, a leading advocate for women and children’s welfare.
The inauguration was hosted by the Founder and Global President of AWLO, Dr. Elisha Attai, while Salewa Amaechi was formally decorated as Vice President of AWLO UK.
The gala dinner was hosted by international journalist, educator and entrepreneur, Dee Burrows.
On the significance of the inauguration, the organisers said the establishment of the UK chapter represented an important expansion of AWLO’s global platform for strengthening women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
With its UK chapter now formally inaugurated, the organisation said it would concentrate on creating opportunities for mentorship, strengthening leadership capacity and advancing policy advocacy for African women in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
The launch, the organisers added, was designed to provide a stronger platform for African women in the diaspora to connect, collaborate and contribute more effectively to governance, business and community development.