50 Women, Allies Honoured At HECA 2026

Fifty outstanding Nigerian women and notable personalities championing women empowerment received prestigious honours at a colourful ceremony in Abuja to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The awards formed the highlight of the Her Excellence Conference and Awards, HECA, which held on Sunday, March 8, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro. Women from diverse professional backgrounds gathered to celebrate leadership, achievements and strides toward gender equality in the country.

Among those honoured was Her Excellency Amina Umar Namadi, first lady of Jigawa State. The immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, bagged the Women Empowerment Champion of the Year for his sustained contributions to women’s development and welfare nationwide.

Convener of the awards and Chief Executive Officer of Aso Multi Media, Amb. Desmond Agboola, said the initiative was designed to shine the spotlight on women making real impact while recognising allies who back their progress.

“Her Excellence Conference and Awards was created to celebrate women who are breaking barriers in their various fields and to encourage more support for initiatives that promote women empowerment and leadership in Nigeria,” he stated.

Project Coordinator Kingsley Tolulope Agboola stressed that the platform goes beyond celebration to serve as a beacon for future leaders.

“This platform is not only about honouring outstanding women but also about inspiring the next generation of female leaders to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he noted.

Other distinguished recipients included Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Julie Donli, founder of Roost Foundation; Kehinde Adelaja; Toyin Kolade; Omolara Egungbohun; Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu; Ginika Tor Ijeomah; Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife; Hafiza Bello; Natasha Osawaru Idibia; Sophie Uzodinma Ozono; Jumoke Abegunde; and Daisy Jaja.

The organisers explained that the awards aim to keep pushing recognition for efforts that advance women’s rights, empowerment and leadership across Nigeria.

The ceremony aligned with broader calls for balance and equity in the country, reinforcing the role of such platforms in driving inclusive growth.