To mark its 110th anniversary in Nigeria, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has lined up a week-long programme aimed largely at empowering Nigerian women and girls, and recognising those who have been in that vanguard.

A statement jointly signed by the national president of YWCA and the chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha and Dr Arinola Oluwo respectvely, indicates that the high point of the programme will be the raising of funds to execute projects aimed at improving the lot of women and girls in the country; and the conferment of awards on “some model citizens from different walks of life for their invaluable service to humanity and support to women and girls’ empowerment.”

Among those to be honoured are Mrs Ebele Obiano, the first Lady of Anambra state, her Plateau state counterpart, Mrs. Regina Lalong, the minister of Women Affairs and Social

Development, Aisha Alhassan, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mrs. Victoria Majekodunmi, national coordinator of Friendship Bible Fellowship Minstries; Sir Mike Nwakalor, an investor and businessman, and Mrs Ifeoma Ojemeni-Okali, a legal expert in gender and conflict resolution.