By Sharon Akuboh
The Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF) marked its first anniversary with a national conference held on February 28, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in 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 and strategize for a more profound impact on women’s empowerment and community development.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and Her Excellency Jewel Howard Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia, who delivered the keynote address.
During the conference, several individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to the nation. One of the awardees was Amb. Mrs. Angonimi David-Imeh, Executive Director of Hope Raisers Global Foundation. Mrs. David-Imeh has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her foundation’s initiatives such as “Project Christmas With Hope” and “Christmas With Hope 2024,” which aimed to provide food items to 1,850 households across Nigeria ¹ ². She was praised for her selfless service and encouraged to continue making a positive impact.

The conference provided a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, and to discuss ways to promote women’s empowerment and community development. The event was a testament to the growing momentum of women’s empowerment in Nigeria and the importance of collaborative efforts to drive positive change.
As SWEF celebrates its first anniversary, it is clear that the organization has made significant strides in promoting women’s empowerment and community development. With the continued support of stakeholders and the dedication of women like Amb. Mrs. Angonimi David-Imeh, SWEF is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
