The Women Leadership Academy (WLA), a flagship initiative of the Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI), officially launched its 2024 session on 7th November in partnership with Sparks Ventures Hub. This year’s program, designed to equip emerging female leaders with critical leadership skills and a resilient sense of purpose, attracted women from diverse backgrounds who are eager to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
The opening session began with a warm and insightful orientation delivered by Ijeoma Joy Oguadimma, the Executive Director of WEPBI. Addressing the new cohort of Leadership Champions, Oguadimma spoke passionately about the mission of WLA to drive transformative leadership and open doors for women in spheres traditionally dominated by men. “At the Women Leadership Academy, we focus on empowering women not only to aspire to leadership but to excel as ethical, effective, and visionary leaders,” she noted. She highlighted the significance of women’s voices in governance and the academy’s goal to create an inclusive environment where women feel empowered to pursue these opportunities.
The day continued with an impactful lecture by Kenneth Eze, founder and president of the Enugu State Young Farmers Association (ENSYFA), who introduced participants to transformational and transactional leadership. His discussion provided a deep dive into the qualities that distinguish transformational leaders—those who inspire change and uplift others—and transactional leaders, who focus on structure, results, and performance. Eze emphasized the importance of mastering both styles to adapt to varied leadership contexts. Following the lecture, participants were invited to engage in a question-and-answer session, eagerly discussing leadership strategies, challenges, and solutions. The atmosphere was electric as the Leadership Champions engaged Eze with questions, signaling their enthusiasm and readiness to absorb and apply these principles in real-world scenarios.
The event also featured a significant contribution from Chinyere Otuonye, Executive Director of Sparks Ventures Hub. She expressed her admiration for the academy and her excitement about Sparks Ventures Hub’s collaboration with WEPBI on this initiative. “This partnership is deeply meaningful to us at Sparks Ventures Hub, as we see the Women Leadership Academy as a beacon of empowerment for women,” Otuonye remarked. “We are committed to supporting this initiative wholeheartedly and pledge our ongoing support to uplift women’s voices both in private and public spaces. Ensuring that women are equipped with the tools to lead is essential for fostering an inclusive society, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey.”
The excitement and anticipation among the Leadership Champions is palpable as they begin this journey toward impactful leadership. As the academy continues, participants will delve into various aspects of leadership, including public speaking, advocacy, strategic planning, and gender inclusivity. This year’s Women Leadership Academy promises to be a remarkable chapter in the advancement of female leadership and empowerment.
