Pius Nsabe
Thursday, June 19, 2025, would have gone like any other day. However, the day gradually rolled into a night of history as a select 20 women who have made a mark in the sands of time were recognized for their outstanding contributions to not just the progress of women but also the development of society at large.
The event, organized by HerStory International, an initiative of May Publishing Limited, was themed, “Celebrating Women of Valour Through Curated Narratives”.
Carefully planned to host a specific number of awardees and their guests, the event was held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja, with the imposing hall adorned with a touch of pink, which highlights the aura of the female gender.
One after the other, the awardees arrived at the venue– some in the company of their spouses, families, and friends– looking resplendent in their beautiful dinner outfits.
It was the chairperson of the occasion and United Nations Country Representative to Nigeria, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, who raised the curtain for the ceremony with a short but incisive remark that touched on the role of women in building a virile and safer world. Represented by her Deputy, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, the chairperson of the occasion praised HerStory International for being at the frontline of amplifying women’s voices and contributions in society.
“Choosing to honour people who have worked is one way we can inspire change. Tonight, we are gathered not just to celebrate achievements, but to spotlight narratives that are often left untold; narratives of women who have led, inspired, transformed and preserved.
“At UN Women, our work is grounded in the belief that gender equality is not a favour but a right. We are glad to support platforms like Herstory that amplify the leadership and contributions of women”.
Speaking further, Mrs Eyong, an awardee herself on the night, added that despite the tough terrain for women in Africa, the women have continued to lead, saying the UN agency hopes that women will continue to lead and that it will “continue to push boundaries to see how women can inspire bigger spaces where we can lead.”
Speaking on the significance of the event, the visioner and Managing Director of May Publishing Limited, Dr. Udu Yakubu, said HerStory has, in the last two decades, been at the forefront of honouring women who have distinguished themselves in society.
“This started 20 years ago and we have tried to keep it going, albeit at a slow pace. However, we decided it is worth giving a lot more time, a lot more commitment, and a lot more of our experience as a biography company.
“You would find that there are many books out there about men; biographies, autobiographies; and even in history, men remain mainstreamed in all the stories about development in the world.
“For whatever reason, women have chosen not to tell their own stories. But we are trying to make our contribution towards changing that, and we believe that the HerStory International project is a vital means of doing that.”
Dr. Yakubu went ahead to describe HerStory International as the first of its kind in Nigeria and perhaps Africa. According to him, “ I am not talking about sourcing materials online and putting them together, but about the women themselves telling their stories through a one-on-one engagement”.
Yakubu noted that HerStory has over the years offered the only opportunity for some women to document their lives.
“Some of the women we have documented have passed away. When you go to the website (HerStory) you will find quite a number of them. And the only significant or extensive documentation of their lives is what we have on HerStory International”
He mentioned some of the women profiled by Herstory- Prof. Grace Alele Williams, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Mrs. Jadesola Akande, among others.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of plaques to 20 women amid cheers from their families and friends.
Award recipients included renowned Professor of Public Health Education at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Gloria Anetor; CEO of Happiness Computer, Mrs. Happiness Chibueze; the Country Regional Director of the International Labour Organisation in Nigeria, Dr Vanessa Phala, Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, Dr Adaeze Oreh, Ms. Rahama Sadau, and Mrs Lois Andrew.
Others are Dr. Bridget A. Yakubu, an Associate Professor of English at the National Open University, Adenike Oladosu, an ecofeminist and climate justice leader, Hajia Suruurah Ogunfemi, author and Certified Family Life Engineer, Dr Oluwashola M. Okpodu, an international development advisor and policy advocate, amongst other exceptional Nigerian women.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Gloria Anetor said, “Today’s recognition encourages us to push forward in our various fields, despite the challenges. It reminds us that our contributions to community and societal development are vital to the growth of our nation.”
She extended her gratitude to May Publishing and HerStory International for organizing the event and for consistently amplifying the voices of African women.
On her part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, while appreciating May Publishing for conceiving the idea of HerStory, challenged women to ensure they don’t keep their stories to themselves as there is so much to learn and inspire others from their unique experiences.
In what could pass for a closing remark, the Managing Editor of HerStory International, Mrs Moyosore Olaofe, thanked the awardees and participants for gracing the occasion. She expressed deep appreciation to the women whose efforts contribute meaningfully to national development.
Reflecting on her advocacy work, she encouraged Nigerian women to remain committed to their journey. “Don’t stop halfway. Keep striving and writing your stories boldly for yourselves and for the future of Nigeria.”
The event later climaxed with a dinner while a live band was on hand to serenade the guests as the evening gradually snowballed into a night that will never be forgotten in a hurry.
According to the organisers, the HerStory International project is a global movement dedicated to celebrating and sharing the stories of extraordinary women through publishing, arts, and public platforms.
“It aims to inspire and empower women and girls by spotlighting their achievements and contributions to society. HerStory also functions as a storytelling hub, using arts and activism to amplify female role models and spark sister movements around the world.”
