Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting organized jointly by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Focus Africa Series, Mr Bright emphasized that the conference will create practical pathways for women to realise their full potential in technology, entrepreneurship, investment, and health management.
The Acting Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the SGF, Ifiok Abia, highlighted the conference theme—“Women Helping Women – Tech, Entrepreneurship, Investment, and Health Management as Priorities for Women”—as a reflection of the growing recognition of women’s pivotal role in driving innovation, economic growth, and social development.
“This stakeholders’ meeting ensures the conference achieves its objectives: empowering women leaders, fostering networks between emerging and established professionals, and identifying practical avenues to enhance women’s participation in technology, enterprise development, and health management,” Mr Abia said. He noted that, while some Nigerian women have achieved influential positions nationally and internationally, many remain confined to domestic roles and require structured support to contribute fully to society.
Mr Bright detailed the extensive reach of Focus Africa Series, which operates in 29 African countries, implementing projects and organizing conferences designed to foster dialogue, mentorship, partnerships, and capacity building for women at all levels.
“Since 2020, we have engaged women across Africa through the Leading and Emerging Women Conference, providing a platform to unleash their potential. The conference has been held annually, reaching 17 countries through quarterly, biannual, and annual programs,” he explained. “At these events, established women mentor emerging leaders, creating opportunities to excel and achieve the success they aspire to.”
Beyond mentorship and knowledge sharing, the Focus Africa Series also provides financial support to women entrepreneurs. Over the past three years, hundreds of millions of naira have been distributed to help women start or expand businesses, with structured follow-up to ensure funds are effectively deployed.
In a goodwill message, Mr John Obekpa, Executive Director of Strategy, highlighted the NGO’s plans to promote Nigerian culture internationally. The Focus Africa Series will participate in the Windsor International Diaspora African Festival (WIDAFest) in Canada in August 2026, a cultural program showcasing African heritage. This will follow the Focus Africa at 10 celebration in Abuja in July, marking a decade of impactful initiatives.
With these efforts, organizers hope the Leading and Emerging Women Conference will continue to strengthen networks, foster mentorship, and expand opportunities for African women to thrive in leadership roles across sectors.