Dinner in Honour of Nigeria’s Minister for Women Affairs.
In an evening defined by leadership, diplomacy, and purposeful connection, I was deeply honoured to convene and lead over 130 distinguished guests at the Women’s Diaspora Leadership Dinner, held at the prestigious Carlton House Terrace, London.This exceptional gathering, hosted at 10–11 Carlton House Terrace on 17 March 2026, was graciously sponsored by Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, and Patron of FLAIR Summit, through her foundation Elevate Africa, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria.
Held in honour of the Honourable Minister for Women's Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the evening brought together a carefully curated circle of high-level women leaders from across Nigeria and the global diaspora — women whose influence continues to shape governance, enterprise, culture, and social development on a global scale.
A Convening of Influence and Intent
This was no ordinary dinner.
With keynote from Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey Commonwealth Secretary-General this was an intentional gathering of First Ladies, Ambassadors, senior government representatives, and global business leaders — all united by a shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership and strengthening pathways for political and economic empowerment.
Designed as a private and thoughtful space for dialogue, the evening fostered meaningful exchange and the building of strategic alliances across borders — reinforcing the critical role of diaspora leadership in shaping sustainable development and global progress.
Anchoring a Moment of Purpose
The evening was expertly hosted by Ronke Phillips of ITN News, whose elegance and professionalism created the perfect environment for reflection, connection, and forward-thinking dialogue.
“It was both a privilege and a responsibility to steer such a prestigious and purposeful gathering — one that brought together women whose collective influence can drive meaningful progress across Africa and the diaspora.”
The programme was enriched by contributions from senior representatives across diplomatic, governmental, and international institutions — each reinforcing the urgency and opportunity of investing in women as central drivers of economic growth, governance, and innovation.
Elevate Africa: Driving Impact Through Partnership
At the heart of the evening was the visionary leadership of Olori Atuwatse III, whose foundation Elevate Africa continues to champion initiatives that empower women, foster collaboration, and catalyse long-term impact across the continent and beyond.
Through strategic convenings such as this, Elevate Africa is not only creating space for dialogue but actively shaping the partnerships and alliances required to advance gender equality and unlock the full potential of women globally.
This was more than a dinner.
It was a statement of intent. A statement that African women — across the continent and the diaspora — are not only participating in leadership but are actively shaping the future of nations, economies, and global dialogue.
Because this is not a moment.
It is a movement.