The retreat’s dynamic format also included team-building games, reflective exercises, and a quiz competition — all reinforcing the key themes of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment
ABUJA, Nigeria, May 31, 2025/APO Group/ --
As the ECOWAS region commemorates 50 years of regional integration, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to gender empowerment through a landmark retreat held from 28 to 29 May 2025 at Zuma Rock, Niger State, Nigeria. Organised by the Directorate of Human Resources, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Amazon Executives, the two-day event was a rescheduled celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), postponed from March to ensure inclusive participation across cultural and religious lines.
The retreat brought together the female staff of the ECOWAS Commission across board for a dynamic programme of reflection, dialogue, and empowerment. Coinciding with ECOWAS Day on 28 May—the founding date of the Community in 1975—the gathering carried symbolic weight, linking the institution’s regional journey with the personal and professional aspirations of its women.
The second day, featured the core training and empowerment activities, beginning with opening remarks by Mrs. Kete Gillis-Harry, Principal Officer for Career Management & Training, followed by a goodwill message from Madame Marième Sy, Vice President of the ECOWAS Amazon. Her words set the tone for a transformative day grounded in the values of leadership, authenticity, and purpose.
Participants engaged in an interactive training session delivered by Otive Igbuzor, PhD, Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD (Leadership, Strategy and Development). With modules titled Empowering Women for Leadership: Overcoming Barriers and Advancing Equality and Promoting Women’s Financial Independence: Pathways to Sustainable Empowerment, Dr. Otive challenged participants to dismantle systemic limitations, embrace purpose-driven leadership, and unlock their full potential.
A standout moment of the day was the “Experience Sharing” segment led by Mrs. Enife Atobiloye, Partner at TRANSEARCH. Drawing from her expertise in executive search and leadership development, she inspired participants to build their capacity with strategy, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to authenticity.
The retreat’s dynamic format also included team-building games, reflective exercises, and a quiz competition — all reinforcing the key themes of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. These moments were guided by the facilitation team from the Directorate of Human Resources, whose support ensured the programme’s coherence, professionalism, and impact.
In her concluding remarks, ECOWAS Amazon President Madame Marième Sy offered an inspiring call to reflection, encouraging women to define success on their own terms and to lead with authenticity and courage. The retreat underscored that gender empowerment is not a peripheral agenda, but a foundational pillar in the realisation of ECOWAS Vision 2050 — building an ECOWAS of Peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
who should be recognised reer hebel that won't happen mister just get used to it onething for complement is that you have tried to become a nation under the banner of tribal system but didn't work . Goo back to your Somali people with love and care
What a mindless person you are,who in their senses would go back to those who once murdered and pillaged them? people like you are driven by ignorance and greed and good riddance to the likes of you.LONG LIVE SOMALILAND where intelligence and tolerance is the norm.
some people,like the above poster are so bereft of understanding,let me ask you a simple question:would you go back to a people who once slaughtered and pillaged your people? apparently you with your mind set would given enough money but the people of somaliland are not selling themselves as your kind would.LONG LIVE SOMALILAND.
You boy, I hate such foolish words comes from your inner stomach. You committed an act of genocide in Somaliland people. Over one million people were displaced , more than 800,000 were made refugees in east Ethiopian camps, were hunger, cold and child labor was the order of the day. And also more than 200,000 have been killed, and more have been maimed or injured.
We will not forget the time we were frightened to walk down our own streets for fear of being murdered, robbery and rape. We have seen pictures of our educated people slaughtered, our fathers having been beaten up, and our sisters having been raped by you.
“Somaliland’s independence is irrevocable and its people will fight for their rights and freedom what ever it costs”
Farhan A. Suleiman (Oday)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Farhan A.Suleiman i agree with you 100% SOMALILAND IS HERE TO STAY COME WHAT MAY LONG LIVE SOMALILAND AND DOWN WITH ITS ENVIOUS HATERS!!!.
Haloo Guys !!!!
Wax baad illowdeen,
Ma idiin sheega, horta haa yiraada.
Kenya, weligeed dad aya laha.
Daniel Arap Moi Iyo OObootihi Uganda ,
Labada ba skuul anaa Skuul kooda ka bixiyey.
Hadey xuumatoo, Hablo Soomaali kuu sheganaya
MA iyo wexeysheegtaan ba, hortaada la kufsanaya
Soomali , Soomali aya ceebys.
Long live Somaliand !!!!!!!!!!
@Kenya, Ilaahay waxaad galabsateen buu idinka goynayaa. Because adoo kale oo qabyaalad dabada ku wata ayaa idinku badan. Qabyaalad annaku ma naqaanno, kumana adeeganno. Somalilander is a Somalilander to us. Cidda dawladdii qabiil ku burburiyey ee weli dagaal iyo hanjebaad looga fadhiyi waa idinka. goor ayse noqotaba waydin eedi, edeb-darra iyo afka dheer aad Somaliland ku aflagaadaynaysaan. Haddi daandaansiga la dayn waayo, wax aydaan ka soo kabmi karrin ayaa ka dambayne maydin joogi. Ninkii baxaya, indhaha ayaa casaadee! Mar labaad haddii ay Somaliland qoriga qaado, waxaad ogaataan inaannaan dhigi doonin. Ilaahayo, mar la ciil dirirayo itus!
We were a nation and we are a nation now and we are going to stay a nation forever. And nothing you (Somaliland diid) have to say will change anything. So, waxba hays xiiginin.
the somalis are the main course of their treatment by the kenyans,they have destroyed their country by murdering each other by the thousands and then flee across the border to kenya is it a wonder that the kenyans see them as less than human? by writting these words am just pointing out the truth on the ground but far from agreeing with how the kenyans are treating somalis.
When My spouse and i originally alleged I visited the Discern me when new notes are extra checkbox and today all calculate a observe is further We get a number of e-mails with the same analysis. Is near a few mode you can with no trouble take out men and women from that service? Bless anyone!