By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim has commended the Women of Like Minds Empowerment Initiative (WOLMEI) for empowering women and providing for the wellFbeing of children and the less- privileged in the society.
The Minister disclosed this at the 13th year anniversary celebration of the association at Transcorp Hotel,Abuja on Saturday.
The Minister said: “For over a decade , WOLMEI has continued to demonstrate the power of collective action and the importance of creating opportunities that uplift women, strengthen families and transform communities. Congratulations to WOLMEI on this remarkable milestone and the many lives touched over the past 13 years. We commend you and will continue to support you.”
The Minister who was honoured for her efforts in promoting gender inclusion and protecting the rights of women and children in the nation, thanked WOLMEI for the gesture.
While presenting the award to her, the former first lady of Imo State,Mrs Nneoma Rochas Okorocha said the minister was being honoured for her role in empowering women and the impact she has made while in office. She said “To be valued,you must bring value. The Minister has brought value since she assumed office as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The President and Founder of the Women of Like Minds Empowerment Initiative (WOLMEI), Dr. Mrs Lauretta Achudume, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, education, economic inclusion, and social development.
Achudume described the milestone as more than a celebration of longevity, noting that it represented thirteen years of service, resilience, transformation, and impact in communities across Nigeria.
“Today is not merely a celebration of years. It is a celebration of impact, resilience, service, and the collective determination of women and men who have chosen to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
The Founder expressed gratitude to God, members, volunteers, donors, development partners, and supporters whose contributions have sustained the organisation since its establishment in 2013.
According to her, WOLMEI was founded on a vision to empower women, uplift families, support vulnerable groups, and create opportunities that enable communities to thrive.
Reflecting on the organisations achievement,Achudume said several women have transitioned from dependence to self-reliance through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes, while young girls have benefited from educational support and mentorship initiatives.
“We celebrate women who have moved from dependence to self-reliance through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship support. We celebrate young girls who have gained confidence and hope through education and mentorship programmes. We celebrate families whose lives have been transformed through our interventions, advocacy efforts, and community development initiatives,” she stated.
She noted that over the past 13 years, WOLMEI has remained focused on promoting gender equality, leadership development, healthcare awareness, education, social protection, and economic opportunities for women and vulnerable populations.
Also,as part of activities to mark the anniversary,the organisation donated educational and welfare materials to pupils of the FCT School for the Blind in Jabi, Abuja.The items include Braille machines, Braille papers, typewriters, mobility canes, Slate and Stylus, A4 papers, food items, and other educational resources.
The WOLMEI President revealed that the intervention followed a needs assessment conducted by the organisation to identify the most pressing needs of the institution.
The Head boy of the school,Paul Thomas said they are grateful for the gift they have received. “We are really excited at what has been given to us.Things like slate and stylus,Braille papers, mobility canes are things we need. We are very grateful because this is going to help us in our learning.”
Also, another pupil, Beatrice Ojeme commended WOLMEI for their kind gesture. “We appreciate these gifts because we know the country we are in, that things are not easy,so for them to give us these gifts,they have tried. We pray God will bless Women of Like Minds Empowerment Initiative.”
Earlier on,the Minister presented start-up packages to some women selected from communities on behalf of WOLMEI.The women were empowered with support packages during the anniversary celebration as part of WOLMEI’s continued commitment to economic empowerment.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Founder and Convener of the Marvelous Friends Association of Nigeria, Dame Dr. Tumini Akogun, UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Ms Beatrice Eyong, the National President of the National Council of Women’s Societies, Princess Edna Azura, President of When Women Pray, Apostle Opi Agha and more.
The dignitaries commended WOLMEI for its sustained contributions to social development, women’s empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups, describing the organisation as a model for community-driven development and humanitarian service in Nigeria.
The 13th year anniversary of WOLMEI ended with a Thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church,Maitama Abuja.
The Women of Like Minds Empowerment Initiative was established in 2013 with a mission to contribute to providing a better future and environment where women and children are able to have access to better facilities, financial, educational and humanitarian support and services that will contribute to the achievement of their goals in life and accord them equal rights for the development of their community.
