Distinguished guests, Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers and Members of the National Assembly,
Traditional rulers, Captains of industry, Members of the diplomatic community, our distinguished awardees,
great women of Africa, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen — good afternoon.
Today is a day of gratitude, celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment. I warmly welcome you all to this historic gathering as we celebrate 15 impactful years of Eaglewings International in Nigeria and also witness the maiden edition of the Eaglewings International African Women Achievement Award 2026.
To God Almighty be all the glory for sustaining this vision through challenges, sacrifices, growth, and transformation over the years.
Fifteen years ago, Eaglewings International was born with a simple but powerful vision — to give voice to the voiceless, celebrate excellence, promote development, and use media as a tool for social change and national growth. Today, we are proud that this platform has continued to promote leadership, entrepreneurship, community development, youth empowerment, and advocacy for women across Nigeria and Africa.
This event is particularly special because it focuses on one of the greatest forces for transformation in our society — the African woman.
Across Africa, women have continued to break barriers in politics, governance, business, education, science, media, agriculture, diplomacy, and humanitarian service. Despite enormous challenges, African women continue to rise with courage, intelligence, resilience, and vision.
Today, we honour women who have distinguished themselves through service, integrity, excellence, and impact. These awardees are not just successful women; they are symbols of hope and inspiration to the next generation.
Ladies and gentlemen, no nation can truly develop when women are excluded from leadership and decision-making processes. The future of Africa depends greatly on how much opportunity we create for women to participate fully in governance, economic development, peacebuilding, and nation-building.
Women are not merely supporters of development; women are drivers of development.
Africa must intentionally create spaces for women at the leadership table. We must encourage more women to contest elections, lead institutions, own businesses, participate in policy formulation, and shape the future of our continent.
When women lead, communities become stronger.
When women succeed, families prosper.
When women are empowered, nations rise.
I therefore call on governments, private organizations, traditional institutions, development agencies, and civil society groups across Africa to invest more in women empowerment, girl-child education, economic inclusion, and leadership opportunities for women.
To the young girls listening today: never underestimate your potential. Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. Africa needs your ideas, your creativity, your strength, and your leadership.
To our men, fathers, husbands, brothers, and leaders — supporting women is not a sign of weakness; it is a commitment to progress and justice.
At Eaglewings International, we remain committed to promoting African excellence, encouraging unity, celebrating achievers, and supporting initiatives that uplift humanity.
As we launch this first edition of the African Women Achievement Award, may it become a continental platform that recognizes and inspires generations of African women to lead boldly and transform society positively.
I sincerely appreciate all our partners, sponsors, guests, media organizations, and members of the organizing committee whose support made this event possible.
To our distinguished award recipients, congratulations. May this honour encourage you to do even more for humanity and Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen, let this celebration not end in this hall alone. Let it ignite a movement — a movement for inclusion, equality, opportunity, and African excellence.
Together, we can build an Africa where women and men work side by side to create peace, prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development for future generations.
Thank you for honouring our invitation.
Long live Eaglewings International.
Long live African women.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
And long live Africa.
God bless you all.
Dr. Owen Udouwem Udoh
Publisher, Eaglewings International Magazine
