The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been awarded the GAIA Africa 2025 Global Champion Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, contributions to global economic progress, and trailblazing role as an inspiration for women across Africa and the world.
The prestigious honour was conferred in her absence during the GAIA Africa Grand Pinning Ceremony and Award Night, held at GAIA House on Agoro Odiyan Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday, March 9, 2026. The event combined a cocktail reception, award presentations, and the formal induction of new members into the organisation.
Presenting the award, GAIA Africa Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Olatowun Candide-Johnson, described Dr Okonjo-Iweala as a symbol of courage, integrity, and vision.
“In recognition of her enduring leadership, her contribution to global economic progress, and the trailblazing example for women across Africa and indeed the world, today, we honour not only her remarkable achievement but the courage, integrity and vision that continue to inspire generations,” she said.
In her acceptance speech, delivered via video and displayed on screen during the ceremony, Dr Okonjo-Iweala expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and commended GAIA Africa for its work in advancing women’s leadership.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the GAIA Africa 2025 Global Champion Award. I want to congratulate GAIA Africa and express my gratitude for what you do to advance women’s leadership across different spheres of Africa and Nigeria. Your network-building mission is essential.
“When women thrive, economies flourish, families and communities prosper, and society becomes more resilient. Yet women continue to face disproportionate barriers with respect to finance, trade and networks. That is why GAIA Africa’s role is so important,” she stated.
GAIA Africa’s Mission and Growth
In her welcome address, Mrs Candide-Johnson recalled the founding of GAIA Africa in April 2018 with the clear objective of creating a trusted, high-impact network for accomplished women shaping business, policy, and leadership across the continent.
“Since its founding in 2018, the club has been built with a very clear intention to bring together accomplished women who are shaping business, policy and leadership.
“Across Africa and beyond, there are remarkable women building companies, shaping industries, influencing policy and contributing significantly to the economic life of our continent and beyond.
“Many of these women often operate without access to trusted networks where meaningful business relationships can develop. GAIA Africa was created to address this gap,” she explained.
She welcomed the newly inducted members, expressing confidence that their participation would further enrich and strengthen the network.
“We welcome you to this circle, and we look forward to the ideas that you would share, the collaborations that would emerge and the ways your presence will enrich this network, vice versa,” she added.
Key Highlights and Inductions
The event also featured a keynote address by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, who spoke on the theme “Unbowed.” She urged women to embrace resilience, viewing challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and stronger leadership.
“There is a paradox in the theme ‘Unbowed.’ The very forces that try to bend us often build us.
“In business, you will face financial uncertainty, market shifts, leadership transitions, failed projects, rejection and criticism. Failure is universal, but it sharpens your strategic thinking and strengthens you,” Prof Ogunsola said.
She emphasised the power of collective resilience: “When one woman stands tall, she gives others the courage to do the same.”
The ceremony’s high point was the induction of new members, including Mrs Omowunmi Tunde-Obe, Executive Director, Business Development and Innovation at Punch Nigeria Limited (inducted in absentia), as well as several other distinguished professionals.
Pioneer member and Chairman of the Board of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa, described the gathering as inspiring and reaffirmed the organisation’s personal and professional impact.
“It is exciting to be part of this event, especially as a pioneer member. GAIA Africa has been of tremendous impact personally,” she said.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, she encouraged women to believe in their potential: “Believe in yourself. You can be anything you want to be.”
New inductees also shared their excitement:
Ejemen Okojie, Director of Human Resources at IHS Towers, expressed pride in joining alongside several colleagues: “I am excited to join a community of courageous and bold women who are high achievers... It is a proud moment, and we look forward to contributing to the objectives of GAIA.”
Dr Omolola Salako, Founder and CEO of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, described the decision to join as rewarding: “I have been on the fence for a few years with GAIA, and I am excited that I finally made the move in 2026. I wish I had joined earlier. It is a safe space for successful women beyond work, offering lifestyle improvement, business connections and learning from women across sectors.”
The GAIA Africa 2025 Grand Pinning Ceremony underscored the organisation’s growing influence as a powerful platform for women leaders, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and economic empowerment across Nigeria and the continent. The recognition of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala further elevated the event’s prestige, celebrating excellence and inspiring continued progress toward gender equity and inclusive development.
