GAHAWARDS & BUSINESS SUMMIT 2025

Welcomes Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin to the Governing Council

By The Editorial Team, GAH Elite Club Magazine

Lagos, Nigeria — October, 2025.

A defining moment in the history of the GAHAWARDS & Business Summit unfolded as Dr Princess Kelechi Oghene, FDR, Group CEO, GMYT Group Ltd, and Convener, GAHAWARDS, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the office of Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Founder of Women Arise Development & Humanitarian Initiative.

The visit marked both a celebration of shared vision and the official unveiling of Dr Okei-Odumakin’s appointment as a Member of the Governing Council (Board of Trustees) for the upcoming 13th GAHAWARDS & Business Summit 2025, scheduled for Friday, 12 December 2025 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

A Living Symbol of Courage and Change

Globally recognised as one of Africa’s most fearless champions for justice, women’s rights, and human dignity, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin has spent over three decades shaping national policy, amplifying civil-society advocacy, and empowering women across Nigeria and beyond.

She is the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative and General Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy, with an unparalleled record of public service that has earned her numerous accolades, including the U.S. Department of State International Women of Courage Award (2013) — presented by then-First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.

A scholar with a PhD in History and Policy of Education (University of Ilorin), she has led thousands of advocacy actions advancing human rights, democratic governance, and gender equity. Her inclusion in the GAH Board of Trustees affirms the Summit’s commitment to purposeful leadership and legacy-driven inclusion.

Her Appointment and Role

• Upholding the ethical and humanitarian standards of the GAH platform.
• Championing strategic nominations of credible changemakers and visionary brands.
• Leveraging her international networks to strengthen global partnerships.
• Representing the Summit as an SDG-aligned advocate across local and global platforms.

Shared Vision: Africa Reimagined

With the theme “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion & Sustainable Growth”, the 2025 Summit is poised to unite over 1,000 leaders, innovators, and policymakers, creating actionable conversations that align with AfCFTA, Agenda 2063, and the UN SDGs (8, 9 & 17).

Dr Okei-Odumakin’s appointment amplifies this commitment — symbolising how justice, inclusion, and innovation can converge to reshape the African narrative.

A Message from Dr Princess Kelechi Oghene