Port Harcourt
The African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) has taken a significant step toward strengthening women’s leadership networks with the grand relaunch of its Rivers State Chapter in Port Harcourt.
The colourful ceremony, held on February 28, 2026, at the Osborne La Palm Hotel, brought together dignitaries, policymakers, women leaders, and community stakeholders in a celebration of leadership renewal and commitment to advancing women’s participation in governance and development.
A major highlight of the event was the decoration of Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Distinguished Senator and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, as AWLO Life Patroness. The prestigious honour recognised her decades of dedication to public service, advocacy for women’s empowerment, and contributions to community development.
In another defining moment of the ceremony, Senator Banigo was unveiled as the Face of the 2026 AWLO Magazine, which was formally launched during the event.
The publication celebrates outstanding women leaders across Africa and highlights inspiring stories of transformation, service, and leadership.
The ceremony attracted high-profile representation from government and leadership circles. Among those represented were the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu; the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara; and the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara. They were represented at the event by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Ngozi Nma Odu, whose presence underscored the state government’s support for women’s leadership and inclusive governance.
Further demonstrating AWLO’s commitment to inclusive partnership and male allyship in advancing gender equality, four distinguished personalities were honoured as AWLO HeForShe Champions, which include Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Chief Nabil Saleh, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, and Ambassador Clinton Fubara Snr.
The recognition celebrated their advocacy for gender inclusion and support for initiatives aimed at empowering women across professional, civic, and community spaces.
Delivering the keynote address, Elizabeth Ekole charged women to embrace visionary leadership, resilience, and collaboration as key drivers of sustainable development.
She emphasised the need to strengthen networks that empower women economically, socially, and politically, while also prioritising health and wellbeing as critical components of effective leadership.
The ceremony also witnessed the formal induction of new members into the AWLO community, reinforcing the organisation’s mission of nurturing transformative female leadership at local, national, and continental levels.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Global President of AWLO, Elisha Attai, described the relaunch of the Rivers State Chapter as a strategic move toward deepening the organisation’s impact.
According to him, the development would help build a stronger ecosystem for women leaders within Rivers State and beyond, while promoting capacity building, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that position women for greater influence.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the AWLO Executive Council, including the Dean of the Council, Theodora Ajegwu, as well as the Chairperson of the AWLO Akwa Ibom Chapter, Elizabeth Etebom, who attended in solidarity and regional support.
The relaunch marks the beginning of a new phase for AWLO Rivers State, positioning the chapter to expand its programmes, foster cross-sector collaboration, and champion initiatives that promote gender equity, leadership excellence, and community transformation.
As the African Women in Leadership Organisation continues to expand its reach across Africa and the diaspora, stakeholders at the event described the Rivers State relaunch as a testament to the organisation’s enduring vision of empowering women to lead with integrity, competence, and purpose.
Meanwhile, the organisation has also congratulated its Kenya Chapter for the successful launch of the AWLO International Women’s Leaders Dialogue 2026, held at the Serena Nairobi Hotel.
The event, led by AWLO Kenya Vice President Alice Atieno Odera, brought together speakers from across Africa to deliberate on leadership, wealth creation, and legacy building.
AWLO Founder Dr. Elisha Attai also commended global patron Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba and AWLO Kenya Chapter Patroness Jennifer Onomo for their contributions in making the historic event a success.
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