COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOUTHERN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FORUM (SWEF) HELD ON FEBRUARY 28, 2025, AT WELLS CARLTON HOTEL AND APARTMENTS, ASOKORO, ABUJA
THEME: EMPOWERING VOICES, INSPIRING CHANGE – CELEBRATING A YEAR OF IMPACT
The Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF) held its National Conference on February 28, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja. The conference, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change – Celebrating a Year of Impact,” brought together women and key stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond to reflect on past achievements, share insights, and strategize for a more profound and lasting impact on women’s empowerment and community development.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE
The conference was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON
Former President, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
Former First Lady, Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan
Her Excellency, Jewel Howard Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia (Keynote Speaker)
His Royal Majesty, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Samuel Asadu (Ogadagidi I), Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Council; Immediate Past Chairman, Southeast Traditional Council; Member, Africa Traditional Rulers Council (Nigeria Chapter)
HRM Oba Agbaje Abibu Adetoyese, Olu of Ileogbo Kingdom, Arowookun Joye II, Vice Chairman, Osun Council of Traditional Rulers
His Royal Majesty, HRM Ogiame Atuwase III, Olu of Warri
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Ivie Emiko Atuwase III, Wife of the Olu of Warri
Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director General, Department of State Security Services (DG, DSS)
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff
General Banjo Aro (Rtd)
Air Vice Marshal Victor Udoh (Rtd)
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), OFR, CON, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA
Dr. Edward Adie, Director General, People Democratic Institute
Rep. Oghene Emma Egoh, Former Member, ECOWAS Parliament & Senior Adviser to His Excellency, Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives
Hon. Tolulope Sadipe, Member, House of Representatives, Oluyole Federal Constituency
Directors of Corporate Organizations, including representatives from Emirates Airlines and Total Energy
Media Houses, including representatives from AIT and NTA
WELCOME ADDRESS
In her welcome address, the National President of SWEF, Hon. Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, expressed profound gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and stakeholders for their unwavering support. She reaffirmed SWEF’s commitment to empowering women and young girls through education, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development programs aimed at building a more equitable society.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE
- Recognition of Dignitaries
The National President acknowledged the royal fathers, government representatives, security chiefs, corporate leaders, and other distinguished personalities whose contributions have significantly impacted women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
- Empowerment Initiatives
As part of SWEF’s empowerment agenda, selected women received cash grants and grinding machines to enhance their economic stability and financial independence.
- Panel Session
A thought-provoking panel discussion featured experts who addressed critical issues on women empowerment, including:
Strategies to eliminate gender disparities
Enhancing women’s financial independence
The role of education in bridging gender inequality gaps
- Education Support
SWEF reinforced its commitment to education by:
Distributing exercise books across all Southern States of Nigeria
Awarding scholarships to brilliant but financially disadvantaged students
- Strengthening Advocacy & Expanding Impact
SWF called on government agencies, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to partner with the forum in broadening its impact and deepening its reach in empowering women.
RESOLUTIONS
At the end of the conference, the following resolutions were made:
- Strengthening Partnerships – SWEF will strengthen collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance resource mobilization for empowerment projects.
- Sustained Empowerment Programs – Continuous support for women entrepreneurs and vocational training programs to ensure financial independence and economic sustainability.
- Educational Interventions – Commitment to further scholarships and provision of educational materials to guarantee inclusive and quality education for all.
- Advocacy & Awareness – Increased advocacy for women’s rights, gender equality, and socio-economic opportunities for the less privileged.
The Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF) remains resolute in its mission to “wipe off women’s tears” by implementing practical solutions to address societal challenges. The National Conference was not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action for all stakeholders to join hands in building a society where women are empowered, voices are heard, and change is inspired.
Signed:
Hon. Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin
National President, SWEF
February 28, 2025
