YES SHE CAN AFRICA  AFRICA HOLDS  SUMMIT IN IMO

Convened by Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, a renowned voice for women’s empowerment, the summit brought together participants from all 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State. With the theme, “A Nigeria and Africa Where Women Are Not Excluded but Empowered to Lead Boldly and Inclusively,” the event provided a vibrant platform for mentorship, skill-building, and leadership development.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Onyechere Sydney-Jack expressed her deep appreciation to the speakers, dignitaries, and participants who made the event possible. She called on young women to rise beyond stereotypes and societal limitations, and to embrace leadership not just as a possibility, but as a necessity for sustainable development.

The keynote address was delivered by Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Okigwe North and Chairperson of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). She spoke on the importance of collaboration among women in leadership and encouraged participants to actively pursue public and private sector opportunities with confidence and vision.

The summit featured several keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and high-level conversations led by prominent speakers from across Nigeria. These included Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa; Chief Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, Convener of the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill Campaign Coalition; and Sophie Uzodinma Onovo, Founder of the Voices of Women Empowerment (VOWE) initiative.

Also contributing were Nnedinma Obioha, CEO of Centre Point Multi-Solutions Group; Dr. Vivian Dimgba, political scientist and historian; Barrister Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria (Abuja Branch); Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu, Deputy Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly; and Dr. Chito Nwanna, founder of Tabitha Health Centre. PMC Okeke, publisher of Ikoro Okigwe, and representatives of HE Ugwumba Uche Nwosu also addressed the summit through designated proxies.

Each speaker brought unique insight to topics such as inclusive governance, political participation, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, and mentorship. One of the more emotional highlights was a storytelling session by Kamila, who shared a personal journey marked by resilience, transformation, and triumph over adversity.

The programme also featured a spoken-word performance by the poet known as Purp Poet, as well as a vibrant panel discussion, a business pitch competition for young female entrepreneurs, and an interactive Q&A session that allowed participants to directly engage with the speakers.

A significant milestone was the unveiling of the Young Female Leadership Network (YFLN), an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of female leaders in Imo State. In a symbolic moment, 27 young girls, each representing one of the local government areas in the state, were inaugurated as ambassadors of the network. The gesture underscored the summit’s long-term commitment to grassroots empowerment and female leadership development.

Government officials and dignitaries also lent their support. Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Gender in Imo State, represented the wife of the Governor, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. She commended the organisers for their consistency and innovation in championing women’s causes.

Dr. Ify Onyegbule, Director General of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), encouraged the young women in attendance to pursue excellence with tenacity and purpose. In a goodwill message, Senator Samuel Anyanwu praised the summit as a vital contribution to sustainable leadership and capacity building for young women in Nigeria. The Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Eric Uwakwe, also called on participants to utilise the knowledge gained to improve their communities.

The closing speech by Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack was met with enthusiastic applause. She thanked all the speakers, partners, and attendees for their roles in making the event a success, and reiterated her unwavering commitment to mentoring and empowering young women to lead with vision, courage, and purpose.

The 2025 Yes She Can Summit 2.0 concluded on an inspiring note, leaving participants energised and ready to take bold steps in their personal, professional, and political journeys. The event not only reinforced the importance of women’s inclusion in decision-making but also signaled a rising movement committed to building a more just, equitable, and progressive society led by empowered women.