LAPO honours Women Leaders with N2m IWD Awards

• The organization gave N2 million each to four women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026
• The women were awardees in the 14th LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA)
• Nkechi Promise Ujunwa from Anambra State won in the professional category

The Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) bestowed the LAPO Outstanding Women to recognize Women's Leadership Award 2026 for four women on March 8, 2026, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The winners of the awards were Animashaun Aminat Aderayo from Oyo State (business), Adebukola Esther Taiwo from Osun State (farming), Nkechi Promise Ujunwa from Anambra State (professional), and Nosakhare Ikpomwonsa Aladeselu from Edo State (Lifetime Achievement Award). Nosakhare was the founder of the African Women Empowerment Guild in Benin City, Edo State.

The four beneficiaries of the awards were also awarded cash in the amount of N500,000 and plaque awards for their contributions to business, farming and professionalism and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

In her speech at the ceremony, the President of LAPO, Faith Negbe Osazuwa-Ojo stated the event was held to celebrate the International Women’s Day. As part of her address, she noted that the 2026 theme of International Women’s Day was “Give to Gain” and was in alignment with LAPO's mission to recognize and support the contributions of women toward the development of Nigeria's economy and society as a whole.

She also indicated that women must be supported to achieve additional development objectives (e.g., poverty reduction).

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of LAPO, Oyefemi Obazee, noted that the organization has observed how women supported by LAPO have improved their own as well as their family members’ livelihoods through their efforts since the awards were given to the recipients as a support to continue building upon their accomplishments in the future.

“The Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, stated that LOWLA functions to recognize those women who are leading the way in leadership and development in their communities – the work of the Bank focuses on providing financial inclusion and creating opportunities for women and that women continue to play an important role in the economic growth of the country.”

Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and chairperson of the event, praised the continued support of the award over the last 14 years, thanked LAPO for their continuous commitment to provide support, and that this award represents both a recognition of the recipients’ accomplishments as well as a continuing commitment to community development, and that all women should continue in their pursuit of their goals with focus and perseverance.