By Ebere Agozie
Stakeholders say book writing and empowerment initiative will lead to intellectual triumph across the country.
They said this at the launch of a book titled “From Margin to Mainstream, Volume 2: Towards Inclusive Governance”, authored by Princess Nikky Onyeri, a Nigerian Gender advocate in further advancement of her empowerment programmes.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Mohammed Ndarani (SAN) described the book as a moment of intellectual triumph and a practical tool for equipping women with knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their future.
“Books are vessels of thought, bridges between minds, and seeds of change.
“The work we unveil today is not merely pages bound together; it is a voice, a vision, and a gift to the world. It reflects the courage to write, the discipline to complete it, and the generosity to share.
“Today, we stand at the intersection of powerful moments: the celebration of a life, the unveiling of a literary work, the launch of an empowerment initiative and many others.
“Each of these elements, on its own, is worthy of admiration. Together, they form a tapestry of meaning that reflects the very heart of our life, one committed to honouring legacy, nurturing intellect, and uplifting lives.
Ndarani urged stakeholders to embrace empowerment programmes which lie at the core of the transformation of the society.
“Empowerment is not a slogan, it is action. It is equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their own future.
“Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to building capacity, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities for all.
“As chairman of this event, I am deeply proud of what this day represents. It is a celebration of life-a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future; of learning; and of lifting others.
“I thank each one of you for being here, not just as witnesses, but as participants in a shared journey of growth and impact”, he added.
Princess Nikky Onyeri, founder of the Princess Nikky Breast Cancer Foundation noted that the event also marked the unveiling of her new NGO, Rise Up Women Initiative (RUWI).
Onyeri explained that the event was a thanksgiving after surviving breast cancer three decades ago, when she was given six months to live.
“Today’s programme included health screenings and empowerment sessions for vulnerable women and I express gratitude to President Tinubu for increasing women’s representation in governance.
“Next year, we plan to empower more women to go into business so they can support their families, and I intend to advance my political career also to do more for women”.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised that investing in women is key to societal progress.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated her committed to supporting any initiative that drives development for Nigerian women.
She noted that the Renewed Hope Women Agenda under President Bola Tinubu is poised to provide women with opportunities to achieve their full potential.
“The book we are unveiling today recognises the role women play in the society, and I will continue to project women’s plight to the world”.
Earlier, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and the book reviewer, commended Onyeri for highlighting the transformative journey of Nigerian women.
She said the book aligns with the administration’s mission to empower women.
“By the time you read through all pages of the book, chapter by chapter, you will appreciate the writer because it is in line with the core mission of this administration for women.
“This administration has launched many programmes for women. It has recognised that women are in the corridor of development.
The administration’s initiative has given women the lead way to thrive,” Vilita-Bashir said.
