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Empowering Words Dr. Elisha Attai, Founder of African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), delivers a powerful speech at the International Youth Force Festival, urging African youth to take charge of their future and drive innovation. “Africa’s greatest wealth is not buried beneath our soil; it is walking on our streets.” “The baton is in your hand. The tide is turning. The time is now.” 

Read the full speech below and get inspired!

THE SPEECH:

Distinguished guests, 

Esteemed leaders, 

Fellow change-makers, and 

Vibrant African youth,

Good morning.

It is with great joy that I stand before you today to mark this year’s International Youth Day at the International Youth Force Festival. Our theme ‘Awake African Youth at the Helm: Driving Community Innovation, Transforming Africa’ is a declaration that Africa’s future is not tomorrow. 

It is here, and it is you.

Today, I speak to you not just as the founder of the African Women in Leadership Organisation, but as someone who has witnessed first-hand the power of young minds to challenge systems, disrupt the status quo, and build what has never existed before. I have seen communities revived and entire nations reimagined, all because young people dared to dream and took bold steps to act.

But let us be clear: dreaming is not enough. The future of Africa will not be transformed by wishes, hashtags, or slogans alone. It will be shaped by innovation rooted in purpose, one that solves the problems in our communities. This type of innovation is one that speaks to our realities and reflects the strength of our African identity.

As we gather here today, we must confront the truth: Africa’s greatest wealth is not buried beneath our soil; it is walking on our streets. It is the young woman in Ghana developing solar-powered irrigation systems for rural farmers. It is the young man in Kenya creating fin-tech solutions for unbanked communities. It is the university student in Nigeria who organizes clean energy hubs for markets. This is the force we must awaken and unleash.

The helm is before you. It is time to take it, not in arrogance, but in responsibility. Leadership is not about position alone; it is more about service. It is about stepping forward when others step back. It is about using your skills and influence to lift others as you rise.

At AWLO, we believe that inclusive leadership is the foundation for sustainable change. This means ensuring that women and men, rural and urban youth, the educated and those still learning, all have a place at the table. Innovation thrives in diversity. And Africa’s transformation will be incomplete until every young person is empowered to lead.

So, I challenge you today, don’t just talk about the change you want to see; become the architect of it. Ask yourself:

What problem in my community keeps me awake at night?

What skill, or resource can I leverage to solve it?

Who can I collaborate with to multiply my impact?

Africa is waiting, not for someone else, but for you. The baton is in your hand. The tide is turning. The time is now.

At this International Youth Force Festival, I urge you to take your rightful place at the helm, and steer our continent toward innovation and prosperity.

And when history looks back at this decade, let it be said that this was the moment Africa’s youth awakened, not to follow, but to lead.

Thank you, and may your vision be bold and your legacy enduring.

Dr. Elisha Attai, 

Founder, 

African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO)

Heartfelt Appreciation

We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed speakers: Mr. Atunyota Alibaba Akpobome, Remarkable Mary Akpan, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, and Dr. Mrs. Margaret Joseph Assian, for sharing their expertise and insights at the AWLO International Youth Force Festival held on August 13th at The Protea by Marriott, Ikeja, to mark International Youth Day.

The festival was themed ‘Awake African Youth at the Helm: Driving Community Innovation, Transforming Africa.’

We also acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors: South African Airways, Protea by Marriott, Ikeja, Access Bank, AWLO Abuja & Lagos Chapters, Aqua Volt water, and all individuals who contributed to the success of this event.

Congratulations to our Youth President, her team, and all council members for a job well done! Your dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact.

Thank you to everyone involved for making this festival unforgettable!

From elected officials representing the voices of Ghana’s national parliament, to advisors at AfCFTA, distinguished representatives from Private Family Offices of Sheikhs, development finance and venture capital practitioners, utilities engineers, multinational telecommunications executives, and central bank dignitaries — It was such exceptional company at The Grillroom, Fiesta Residences last night, April 28, 2025.

Appreciation to the distinguished speakers, Nana Sika Ahiabor, Manager within the Banking Supervision Department of Bank of Ghana, Angela Akosua Klufio (CFA) of RDF Ghana, Farouk Khailann, Senior Advisor to the UAE Royal Family and Founding Partner of StartBank Africa, Louis Yaw Afful, Group Executive Director of the AfCFTA Policy Network, and Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Financial Officer and Non-Executive Board Director of MTN Ghana’s Mobile Money (MoMo) platform.

Special appreciation to the Vice President of AWLO Ghana for a job well done, Sika Twum (ChRMP,CGP) and our Patroness, Oheneyere Gifty Anti

Thanks to the two fantastic moderators, our multiple award winner Natalie Fort, AWLO Ghana Media and Communications Director, Broadcast Journalist & TV Host together with Ebenezer Amankwah-Minkah, a Financial & Monetary Economics Researcher & Policy Analyst (EKAM Group).

Thank you very much for coming, Engr. Madina S. Adams, MIET-GH, MIEEE, MAMEG (Engineer, Electricity Company of Ghana & Vice Chair lady for the Women in Engineering Institution of Engineering and Technology- Ghana)

, Sheila Azuntaba-Addo (Deputy Managing Director, Consolidated Bank of Ghana) and Madam Madinatu Razak.

Congratulations to AWLO GHANA Chapter for such a POWER IMPACT gathering.

Empowering African women through financial literacy: knowledge is wealth! Financial freedom fuels independence.

AWLONIANS! let’s educate, empower, and uplift African women through financial literacy. – Dr. Elisha Attai.

This is a countdown to the August 23rd AWLO Pan African HeforShe Summit in ACCRA, Ghana… SAVE THE DATE & STAY TUNED.

AWLO WOMEN’S LEADERS DIALOGUE 2025 Highlights

AWLO Women Leaders Dialogue & New York Chapter Launch

The African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) proudly launched its New York Chapter on March 29, 2025, at PB Brasserie in New York City. The event began with an opening prayer by Judge Ellen Edwards, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Bernice Dema, Vice President of AWLO USA.

Keynote Address and Guest Speakers

AWLO Global President, Dr. Elisha Attai, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing AWLO’s transformative journey, strengthening relationships, fostering sisterhood, and promoting impactful networking. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, delivered the keynote address, acknowledging the economic progress made by African women while stressing that more work remains.

Guest Speaker Highlights

– Dr. Helen Uzamere shed light on the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across Africa, emphasizing the importance of women supporting women through mentorship, leadership, sponsorship, and mutual empowerment.

– Mrs. Habiba Akeju encouraged women to amplify their existing strengths and not shy away from being the first to support or follow when necessary.

– DC Representative Owolewa spoke passionately about self-identity and the urgency of pursuing opportunities such as political office.

– O Fresh Entertainment energized the event with a performance centered around the theme “Know Thyself. Know Your Worth.”

Panel Discussion

The panel featured Ms. Judith Fang, Mrs. Rasheeda Omolade-Sule, Judge Ellen Edwards, Mr. Derrick Agbontaen, Dr. Tosan Oruwariye, Hope Umana, Esq. and Prince Chris Enweremadu. Key insights included:

– Women are game-changers – when included at decision-making tables, real change happens.

– Educating a woman uplifts a nation.

– Collaboration multiplies impact; together, women can achieve more.

Special Guest of Honor

Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao delivered a powerful charge, urging women to:

– Amplify their voices.

– Collaborate and stay united in their quest for change.

– Embrace accountability and truth.

– Take their rightful place in the global narrative.

– Seek empowerment and empower others.

Closing Remarks

The event concluded with closing remarks and acknowledgments by Mrs. Cordelia Ekwueme.

AWLO Lagos Chapter Celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 in collaboration with the Protea Ikeja Hotel.

It was a powerful and refreshing time of learning, empowerment, and a call to accelerate action. Hon. Dr. Prevail Farida, a passionate advocate for God’s work and humanity, spoke on the importance of Self-value, Self-awareness, Spirituality, and Relationships.

A special appreciation to our First Lady of AWLO, Mrs. Eno Attai who spoke beautifully about the role of women in society, the need to take action, and the importance of knowing our worth.

Beyond the powerful discussions, the event was lively and full of energy, reflecting the vibrant spirit of AWLO. The fun, laughter, and shared experiences made it truly memorable.
A heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Margaret Asian, the General Manager of Protea Hotel Ikeja for her warm hospitality and support in making this year’s IWD a success.

Mrs. Onuoha Maryann Nkiruka
Chairperson – AWLO Lagos Chapter