women's empowerment Archives

Ngozichukwu Njemanze

Ngozichukwu C. Njemanze is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in corporate governance, legal affairs, and strategic planning. She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff to the President at the African School of Governance (ASG), where she plays a critical role in policy development, strategy execution, and risk management.

With a strong academic background, she holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Harvard Law School, an MBA from the Kogod School of Business at American University, and an LL.B with Second Class Upper Honors from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Over the years, she has built a distinguished career, serving as a Principal Manager in the Financial System Stability Directorate at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where she focused on corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

She also gained international experience as a Legal Associate at the World Bank Group in Washington D.C. and previously served as a Special Assistant on Policy to two former Nigerian Ministers overseeing Aviation and Youth and Sports Development.

Ngozichukwu is a Certified Governance Auditor, Bank Examiner, and Chartered Secretary and Administrator, demonstrating her commitment to financial and governance excellence. Passionate about mentorship, women’s empowerment, and boardroom leadership, she continues to make significant contributions to governance and institutional development in Nigeria and beyond.

Chinny Ononuju-Mcernest

Chinny Ononuju-Mcernest is a distinguished advocate for women’s empowerment, a strategic leader in partnerships and development, and a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to advancing gender equality and social impact globally.

In her current role as Special Advisor on Strategic Partnerships to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Nigeria, Chinny is responsible for developing and facilitating high-impact partnerships that align with the ministry’s goals. She works closely with government agencies, development organizations, and private sector stakeholders to drive collaboration and secure resources for gender-focused initiatives. Her ability to build cross-sector alliances and mobilize support ensures that key programs receive the necessary backing to create lasting change.

As the Founder of The Women International (TWI), Chinny has built one of the most influential platforms dedicated to the holistic empowerment of women. Since its inception in 2016, TWI has provided over 20,000 women with access to mental health support, financial literacy training, entrepreneurship skill-building, and safe spaces for personal growth.

Her initiatives include:

W Circle Gatherings – a global network fostering emotional and professional resilience across Nigeria, the US, UK, Canada, and the UAE.
Fund My Start-Up Initiative – a collaborative program with The Good Way Foundation, which has supported over 500 women entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and business development resources.
Pink Up for Girls Campaign – a movement raising awareness on menstrual health and education, combating stigma, and ensuring access to resources for young girls.

Previously, Chinny served as Group CEO of East Side Ventures, a venture capital and business development firm focused on fostering innovation in emerging markets. In this capacity, she led investment strategies, media engagement, and cross-sector partnerships, positioning businesses for long-term success.

Beyond her executive roles, Chinny is the Founder of Wagency, a boutique marketing and brand strategy firm that elevates women-led businesses through storytelling, digital engagement, and strategic positioning. She is also a Board Member of The Good Way Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare improvements for women and children in low-income communities.

In addition to her leadership and advocacy work, Chinny is skilled in research and policy development. She authored a gender equality policy paper for a Nigerian presidential candidate, demonstrating her expertise in shaping policy discussions and advocating for systemic change.

With a degree in Public Policy and International Relations from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Chinny combines policy expertise, grassroots activism, and strategic leadership to create lasting impact. She is widely recognized for her ability to drive gender-focused initiatives, build collaborative partnerships, and use media as a powerful tool for advocacy and behavioral change.

Her mission is clear: to amplify women’s voices, break down systemic barriers, and create opportunities that empower women and girls to thrive.

Halima Aliko Dangote

Halima Aliko Dangote stands as a symbol of Nigerian business prowess, holding the esteemed position of Executive Director of Commercial Operations at Dangote Group, a trailblazer in industrial innovation across Africa. Her multifaceted leadership extends beyond Dangote Group to prestigious boards, including NASCON Allied Industries Plc and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in steering initiatives towards impactful change and sustainable growth.

With academic accolades from the American Intercontinental University, London, and Webster Graduate School, England, Halima’s educational journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge has led her to prestigious leadership programs at institutions such as Harvard, Kellogg, and Columbia, shaping her into a visionary leader with a keen understanding of global business dynamics.

Halima’s tenure at Dangote Group has been characterized by transformative strategies, particularly evident in her pivotal role in revitalizing Dangote Flour Mills. Her innovative endeavors, such as pioneering the World ‘Puff Puff’ Day, not only bolstered the company’s profitability but also solidified its place in culinary history, showcasing her ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond the corporate realm, Halima is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, as demonstrated by her active involvement in organizations like Women Corporate Directors and her advocacy for gender equality in various spheres of society. Her unwavering dedication to societal progress and philanthropy underscores her status as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for future generations, inspiring individuals across Africa and beyond to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on their communities.

Chioma Agwuegbo

Chioma Agwuegbo is an ardent advocate for women’s empowerment, media, politics, and technology, utilizing strategic methods to champion various causes, foster business growth, and promote constructive dialogues between governments and citizens.

As the Executive Director of TechHerNG, Chioma is dedicated to simplifying technology for women and harnessing tech innovations to tackle societal issues, particularly those affecting women. Whether backing aspiring female leaders, collaborating on initiatives against gender-based violence, or organizing digital security workshops, Chioma champions the practical use of technology for impactful change.

Her advocacy journey, which began with the Light Up Nigeria Movement in 2008, has seen her lead campaigns like Enough is Enough, Gen Voices, and Bring Back Our Girls. With a Master’s Degree in Social Media and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Chioma is a highly sought-after speaker, renowned for her engagements at prestigious venues worldwide.

As an alumna of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers, Chioma has held key roles, including Deputy Curator and Communications Director of the Abuja Hub. She is also associated with esteemed organizations like the Nigeria Leadership Initiative and the British Red Cross, showcasing her commitment to driving positive change on a global scale.

We strive to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to our website. If you would like information about this content we will be happy to work with you. Please email us at RED Accessibility

Follow me on Twitter