The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, were among prominent women honoured at the 2026 edition of the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA) held in Abuja.
The event celebrated women across Africa who have distinguished themselves in leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, advocacy and public service.
Speaking after receiving her award in Abuja, Okpebholo-Anani described the recognition as a sign that women’s voices are increasingly being heard and acknowledged globally.
According to her, the award reflects the growing impact of women in leadership and decision-making spaces.
“We are breaking the ceiling and shattering glasses. Women are being heard,” she said.
She stressed the need for greater mentorship opportunities for women and called for increased female representation at decision-making tables across the country.
Okpebholo-Anani also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for creating opportunities for women in governance and politics.
She noted that women in Edo State are actively participating in political processes, including ongoing party primaries, adding that the state government recognises that “capacity knows no gender.”
Also honoured at the event, Uzoka-Anite received awards for Best Performing Minister of the Year and African Iconic Minister of the Year.
The minister expressed surprise at the recognition, saying she was unaware of the nomination process until she saw reports on social media.
She described the awards as a reflection of the value Nigerians and Africans place on hard work, dedication and service.
“I feel recognised. I feel happy that people appreciate the hard work,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite encouraged women and girls across the continent to pursue excellence and remain committed to hard work, noting that success comes through dedication and perseverance.
“There is never a shortcut to success. Do the hard work and go the extra mile,” she added.
On women’s contributions to society, the minister said women have always played central roles in building families, communities and economies, even when their contributions were not fully recognised.
According to her, women are becoming more vocal and visible in demanding inclusion, leadership opportunities and recognition.
The event also featured remarks by senior government officials and dignitaries who praised the achievements of women across Africa and called for sustained support for female leadership and empowerment.
The 2026 AIWRA ceremony, themed “Elevate at 15th,” was organised by Fajag Concept, owners of Face of Democracy Nigeria.
Founder and Chairman of Fajag Concept, Olufunsho Ajagbonna, said the awards were designed to celebrate women breaking barriers and driving transformation across the continent.
He disclosed that this year’s honourees include Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu; Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama; and the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi.
Ajagbonna said the awards continue to promote conversations around inclusion, leadership and the role of women in Africa’s development.
