By Chioma Okoye

The 2026 edition of Nigerian Women Achievers Awards/Conference (NWAAC), marked a shift toward actionable impact by combining recognition with direct community health intervention.

Held on April 17th, 2026 in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, the award conference which took place at the grand ball room of Oriental Hotel, Lagos moved beyond celebrating women’s outstanding achievements to directly address women’s health and wellness under the theme “Women: Listen, Act and Transform”, aligning with IWD’s global theme _“Give to Gain”

For the first time, NWAAC doubled as a large-scale medical outreach dedicated to women’s health.

NWAAC opened its doors to NGOs and health institutions to “cover more ground” on women’s health. A strategic alliances which the orgainiser, Glomay Alliance says is an effort to deepen the message of health and wellbeing across women communities.

At the award night, while the guests were getting entertained, the medical team sponsored BMO Foundation were offering free cervical cancer and Hepitatis B screening for women in a private area at the venue alongside our supporting partner : Citizens Health Initiative Nigeria.

The convener, Amb. Dr. Joy Osusu, CEO of Glomay Alliance, stated that “women’s health extends beyond basic care to encompass physical, mental and social well-being” and stressed the need for proactive interventions on health issues affecting women like fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause-related conditions.

“Health is very important to us. We wanted attendees to accessed free medical consultations, screenings, and health education services throughout the day. Key partners included BMO Foundation, Citizens Health Initiative Nigeria”, Fola Healthy Living Initiative

and Hopesavers Foundation . Edeh Divine Favour Maternity Home offered their hospital space for the first session of cervical cancer screening, Hepitatis B Screening (April 10th) ahead of the main event while other partners involved conducted free consultations and vital checks. Other participating groups included Face of Change Nigeria, and The Healing Men’s Project”, she said.

The event featured a health and wellness talk segment, where the Provost, LUTH College of Nursing Sciences, Idiaraba Dr. Mrs Olawuyi Olubukola spoke extensively on
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, and breast cancer.

She encouraged both men and women to prioritize their health, stressing the importance of early detection diseases saves lives.

More so, Bernice Olusola Aketi, RN who is also the Director, Nursing Services, LSMOH had a robust education session on women’s
Reproductive Health and wellness. She encouraged men to learn more about their wives bodies, to note the changes and moods, stating that such knowledge will eliminate unnecessary misunderstandings between spouses and strengthen home fronts.

Also in attendance as one of the speakers is Bimpe Akintunde aka WasilaCoded and Dr Nike Miracle Badmus who encouraged women on general wellness management and the need for women to take good care of themselves.

The event brought together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals shaping policy and conversations across Nigerian industries. Osusu noted that NWAAC 2026 aimed to “spotlight women who are upholding excellence in their various fields to inspire the younger generation” while using the platform to advance health awareness.

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, we are set to give back to our community. Women’s health is a vital aspect of our society, and it is essential that we prioritise it. When women truly listen, act, and transform, they build greater resilience and strengthen their support systems while leading healthier and more productive lives,” Joy Osusu emphasized in her speech.

Some of the notable influential women who received special recognition awards from their efforts and hard work in different sectors were; Princess Folashade Ogunwusi Fadairo; Editor, New Telegraph Newspaper,

Juliet Bumah, Habeeb Okunola Foundation, Amb. Dr. Oby Olebara Uzoukwu,May Ubeku, Maristella Okpala, Queen Elizabeth Akuma, Sonia Uche, Gospel Omotosho,Sonita Fred, Joy Ubeku, Ashabi Abiodun, Chidinma Ofesi, Omotosho. Educationist and founder of Impart Maven Limited, Nneka Ebele Nwaokeafor, Olubusola Oloni and many others