MOUAU Women’s Summit Promotes Mentorship, Networking for Sustainable Development

Women have been urged to embrace mentorship, collaboration, and strategic networking as critical tools for advancing personal growth, strengthening institutions, and fostering sustainable development in society.

The call was made at the 2026 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) International Women’s Summit held recently at the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium, where accomplished women leaders highlighted the importance of empowering women to maximize their contributions to national development.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Women as Catalysts for Institutional Growth, Community Development, Innovation and Sustainable Development,” the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, applauded the remarkable achievements of women across various sectors, including education, governance, entrepreneurship, agriculture, research, traditional institutions, and family life.

She noted that women remain key drivers of societal transformation, stressing that their influence extends beyond the home and workplace to shaping communities, institutions, and nations.

Prof. Akanwa commended the Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development (CGYCD) for organizing the summit and described the gathering as a timely platform for inspiring meaningful conversations on women’s leadership and empowerment. She encouraged women to support one another, build strong professional networks, and mentor younger generations to ensure lasting progress.

Earlier, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, said the summit was conceived to provide a platform for women from diverse backgrounds, including academia, government, traditional institutions, host communities, and the private sector, to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to societal challenges.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the summit and Senior Assistant Manager at Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Becky Ngozi Onyekwue, underscored the significant role women play in promoting innovation, institutional development, and community advancement. She advocated greater investment in women through education, mentorship, leadership training, and economic empowerment initiatives.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Irene Ijeh, a Professor of Biochemistry at MOUAU, and the immediate past Registrar of the University, Dr. Jacinta Ogwo-Agu, challenged women to maintain a healthy balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities while upholding professionalism and ethical standards in their respective fields.

The summit also featured panel discussions and interactive sessions on leadership, innovation, women’s empowerment, and community development. Participants explored strategies for strengthening partnerships and advancing inclusive growth, while reinforcing the need for women to work together in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

By Chukwuemeka Egejuru 

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