On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Ballroom of the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island served as the backdrop for a pivotal moment in the history of the International Women Society (IWS) Nigeria. Ms. Ifemena Oji was formally invested as President, delivering a stirring address titled “The Power of Now: Honouring our Legacy, Mobilizing for the Future”. The ceremony, attended by the Honorable Minister of Trade and Industry ably represented by her SA, Mrs Teju Abisoye and distinguished global stakeholders, marked a strategic shift for the Society—from traditional advocacy to a structured, results-oriented economic engine for women.
In her inaugural address, President Oji challenged the audience to rethink the requirements of modern leadership in women’s advancement. While acknowledging that women participate in economic activity daily, she highlighted a systemic gap characterized by a lack of ownership of opportunity, limited access to high-level networks, and a shortage of the capital necessary for scaling enterprises. She declared that the answer lies in moving from conversation to construction, emphasizing that closing the gender economic gap is not merely a matter of fairness but a fundamental requirement for national development.
Central to this new chapter is the Momentum program, a practical framework designed to move beyond mere encouragement. The initiative aims to support hundreds of women-led enterprises by strengthening operational capacity, ensuring investment readiness for female founders, and connecting businesses with global markets and networks. For Ms. Oji, the true metric of success is found in the transformation of small enterprises into thriving, job-creating businesses that secure the economic futures of entire families.
Ms. Oji outlined a clear three-point agenda to guide her tenure, beginning with deepening economic empowerment programs to ensure women-led enterprises are equipped to grow and scale. Her second priority focuses on strengthening strategic global partnerships with organizations that share a vision for expanded market access and investment. Finally, she committed to building an even stronger community within the IWS itself, fostering an environment where mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning remain the cornerstones of membership.
Beyond economics, President Oji’s speech carried a poignant message regarding the future of the nation. With impending elections on the horizon, she urged women to move from the sidelines to the center, asserting that the future will be shaped not by silence, but by the bold voices and deliberate actions of women. She noted that the power of now is the courage to step forward when history is calling, urging every woman who dreams of a better Nigeria to recognize that this is their moment to rise and be the change they seek.
The event reached its peak as Mrs. Ego Boyo took the floor to moderate the fundraising session. With grace and energy, she moved between the tables, engaging personally with guests and inspiring them to pledge their support to the empowerment of women.
A significant highlight of the session was the presentation of a one-million-naira cheque by The Association of Chines Women in Nigeria. This generous contribution, alongside several other donations received by the International Women’s Society Nigeria (IWSN), underscored the collective commitment to the evening’s cause.
