The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Nigeria has celebrated its 120 years anniversary while also using the celebration to honour individuals and families that have distinguished themselves in public service.
The landmark event held at Archbishop Akinde Conference Center, Bariga Lagos under the theme “Empowering Women and Serving Our Communities,” it started on Wednesday October 21 to end on Saturday October 24.
The main celebration which took place on Friday October 23 brought together distinguished personalities, faith leaders, women advocates and members of the association.
L-r: A national officer, Mrs Anuoluwapo Kosoko, National Treasurer, Mrs Omokemi Oladipo, 2nd Vice President, Mrs Virginia Udeh, representative of the Lagos State first lady, Mrs Oyinda Ogunsanwo-Emmanuel, 1st National Vice President, Mrs Olubusola Bankole, 3rd National Vice President, Mrs Adeola Olabode, and another National Officer, Mrs Oluwemimo Akinola at the 120th anniversary of YWCA Nigeria in Lagos
Lagos First Lady
The event turned out to be a time to reflect on the organisation’s rich history and its contributions to nation-building over the last 120 years. It was also a time to .call for a greater commitment to women’s empowerment, leadership development and community service.
Lagos First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Oyinda Ogunsanwo-Emmanuel commended the organisation for its enduring legacy of impacting lives, promoting moral values and advancing the cause of women and girls across Nigeria.
She noted that the YWCA’s journey for over a century and two decades testifies to the power of faith-driven service and community development.
“For 120 years, the YWCA has remained a beacon of hope, empowering women, nurturing young girls and strengthening communities, across our nation. As we celebrate this milestone, we must continue to build societies where women are equipped with the skills, opportunities and support needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
Chairperson of the event
Chairperson of the occasion, Hon. Justice Raliat Bukola Adebiyi, an eminent jurist and administrator, praised generations of YWCA leaders for their dedication and sacrifice, describing the organisation as one of the most enduring platforms for women’s advancement in Nigeria.
She said the association’s commitment to fostering leadership, education and social responsibility among women has remained relevant in an ever-changing world.
“The story of YWCA is the story of resilience, compassion and purposeful service. Its legacy reminds us that we have a responsibility to connect generations for sustainable development, by empowering women and girls to reach their full potential,” Justice Adebiyi stated.
Keynote address
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Olugbemisola Mopelola Ọmoegun, who challenged women to embrace leadership opportunities while remaining committed to service and community transformation.
She emphasized that empowering women goes beyond advocacy and must translate into practical actions that expand access to education, economic opportunities and mentorship for younger generations.
“Empowerment is not merely about occupying positions of influence; it is about creating pathways for others to rise. The next generation of women must inherit stronger institutions, greater opportunities and a culture of service that places humanity at its centre,” Professor Ọmoegun said.
L-R: Mrs Wemino Akinola, Secretary, 120th Anniversary Committee, former Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justive/Guest of Honour, Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, National President, Mrs Faith Chem Jadu, 3rd National Vice President, Mrs Adeola Olabode, Chairman, 120th Anniversary Planning Committee Mrs Hilda Nwanekwu, at the on-going 120th Anniversary celebration of Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) held at Akinde Conference Center, Bariga yesterday
Awardees
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of ‘Awards of Impact’ to distinguished women whose lives and contributions have positively influenced society.
Among the honourees was Chief Mrs. Olubisi Osinbajo, mother of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the family of Ajasin in Ondo State, represented by Mrs Jumoke Anifowose alongside other eminent women recognized for their exceptional service, leadership and contributions to community development.
National President of YWCA Nigeria, Mrs. Faith Jadu.who led the awards presentation charged members to preserve the association’s enduring values and continue building on the foundation laid by its pioneers.
She described the celebration as a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the YWCA’s mission.
“As we celebrate 120 years, we are not just looking back with gratitude; we are looking forward with responsibility. Nigeria needs what YWCA carries, women of integrity, women of skill, women of faith who will lead in the home, the church, the marketplace and in the nation,” Mrs. Jadu said.
She further urged members to remain steadfast in advancing the association’s vision of developing women and girls to become transformative leaders.
“Our commitment remains unshaken. We must continue to develop women and girls who are valued, protected, educated, skilled and empowered to lead. The next chapter of YWCA’s history depends on our willingness to rekindle our passion and strengthen our commitment to service.”
YWCA’s impact
Founded in 1906, the YWCA of Nigeria has played a pivotal role in promoting the welfare of women and girls through education, skills development, leadership training and community outreach programmes.
The anniversary celebration, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, served not only as a commemoration of the association’s past achievements but also as a platform for charting a new course for future generations.
Members of the association at the event renewed their commitment to the YWCA motto, ‘By love, serve one another,’ pledging to continue empowering women and transforming communities across Nigeria.
