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).
I love the design its very unique sort of like African village huts, we definitely need this and I am certain we will push it through however I want to tell the Somaliland Society and other Somaliland communities we need more coordinated and organized appeal that targets Somalilanders around the world also I believe a Dahabshiil account is way better than a Barclay because not all countries have the same system, its slightly confusing.
Also what is the account name?
Better coordination is needed – I am in Australia and would donate but need better option than Barclay, I am sure others feel the same.
Good job.
@Jubba, you are in Australia and are in approximate distance to Somaliland and so are those Somalilanders in the Arabian Gulf Area. So, if you guys go around the universities whenever you have a time and ask for books as donates because it is easier to send to Somaliland. Europian universities revise and up date their books every time there a change in an event around the world and they normally donate the old books to undeveloped countries. So give it a try.
I will try and see what we can do here, in Western Canada.
@ http://www.pad.eu.com/architecture_somaliland_lib… check this link or search for Somaliland National Library on facebook for the revised design…it will definitely be an iconic structure insha'Allah
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
Check this and help us progress this project
This is one of the best ideas and projects I have heard of in terms of aiding the development of Somaliland. Growing up in London I understand the difficulty there is around searching for authentic facts, figures and history of somaliland. Having this source of reference for all the documentation on our nation would really be vaulable and inshallah we should all do our part to help.
I believe this to be a extremely good idea and an amazing project, Having this source of reference for a all the documentation for Somaliland will prove to be very valuable asset for future generations.
Why are you deleting my comments for?
Looks like there is a technical problem. Some times my comments seem not be appearing or says "deleted by the administrator".
I agree we need a more coordinated fundraising events in every country. Dahabshiil is our bank and we should use it.
We, as youth in Hargeisa excitedly need to have a National Library n the town. This is what we are waiting for long time. We certainly thank you for your timely suggestions.
Farhan A. Suleiman
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Farhan thanks for the comments…….this is a project majority of our people do not understand its value….we have been labouring with the project for over three years and we will never give up…..if you are still in Hargeisa….establish a group of friends for the National Library to create the awareness and grass-root support
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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It is important to have a National Library in every Somaliland city. A National Library is overdue.There is a problem, I am not good at paying money but definitely i will donate books.
Dr. Weli, money is not all that is required……….we need your technical advise, help in the campaign, and yes collect the books once we have the infrastructure and the system to ensure the entire country benefits
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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We got to be transparent and accurate, you don't want to call anybody a Dr without a doctorate degree. Saed Ahmed Hasan is dont a doctor but Bulhan is. just correction no offense. Hargaisa need a library, masha Allah great cause.
The Europeans had Libraries, but they were also churches. So Somaliland people should consider similar diverse use for such a building to encourage learning, equity and a harmonious society.
I am assuming such library will be used for recording births, marriages, deaths, town planning , business contracts etc.
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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first of all salamz ppl im so glad that we are thinking in the right direction ..its the first step of the bright future ..its the place that help more than money can give ..making ppl read an learn ..thats how we gonna open the future for every one………..that library will be the first but not the last ..fir more good ideas im thinking to have some place that ppl can meet an give them ideas aboiut them country in freely way ..
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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once again thanks t to the landers who are working hard and striving to make thinks better in somaliland. will donate money and books insha allah but dahabshill is the better choice than Barclay's
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
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Good Fundraising appeal, Well donate today.
Good job SL community in london . Education Education Education .
Thank you to Faisal aswell always a real wadani.
What A good way to contribute to the entire wellbeing of the people.
You get all may support for this great appeal
Adan Farah, Copenhagen.
http://hargeisalibrary.com/
Check this and help us progress this project