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Women Leaders

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Meet Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu, an innovative leader and global influencer. Originating from Abia state, Nigeria, with roots extending to Plateau state, Prayer’s remarkable journey from modest beginnings fuels her steadfast dedication to making a difference on a global scale.

As the Founder and CEO of Naza Agape Foundation, Prayer has pioneered initiatives impacting over 15,000 lives worldwide, primarily within Nigeria. Her foundation’s efforts encompass education, welfare, and empowerment, particularly targeting marginalized communities.

With a fervent commitment to women’s empowerment, Prayer co-founded Girlified, a company specializing in eco-friendly sanitary pads, combating plastic pollution while addressing period poverty. Her dedication to sustainability aligns seamlessly with her advocacy for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Prayer’s leadership journey commenced at Covenant University, where she held significant roles, notably as Vice-Chair Female of the Student Council. With over 6 years of impactful service as a Humanitarian Aid worker, she has demonstrated her dedication to serving others.

Her influence extends to her roles as a Cabinet Minister at the Republic of Women, the world’s first borderless digital state for women, and as a trustee and member of SACDN. Active engagement with organizations like World Pulse and participation in the Leap Leadership Institute’s Young Women Leaders Programme further exemplify her commitment to driving positive change.

Prayer’s outstanding contributions have earned her recognition, including the Nigeria Magazine International Women’s Day Award and features in the ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes Series.’ She is an advocate for positive change, a compelling public speaker, and fervently dedicated to spreading messages of hope and humanity worldwide.

Rajni Vohra: Your work in humanitarian aid spans over six years, impacting over 18,000 lives worldwide. Can you share a particular moment or project that stood out to you and was particularly impactful, and how did it shape your approach to humanitarian efforts?

Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu: The most impactful project was our intervention in the aftermath of a crisis in Plateau State; witnessing the resilience of the affected communities, especially women and children, left an unforgettable mark on me. It reinforced the importance of empowering local communities and tailoring our aids to their needs. This experience shaped our approach at Naza Agape Foundation to focus on sustainable solutions like long-term impact rather than short-term relief and community engagement.

Rajni Vohra: As the Founder and CEO of Naza Agape Foundation and Co-founder of Girlified, you’ve been actively involved in championing UN SDGs and #GirlChild Education. Can you elaborate on the strategies and initiatives your organisation has undertaken to advance these goals and the outcomes you have witnessed so far?

Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu: Naza Agape Foundation* and *Girlified* have employed a multitrack approach, including scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and awareness campaigns. Through strategic partnerships, we’ve expanded our reach, providing education and empowerment opportunities. Notably, we’ve seen increased enrollment of girls in schools and a positive shift in community attitudes towards girls’ education. Our mentorship programs have also contributed to building confidence and leadership skills among young girls.

Rajni Vohra: Being a member of ForbesBLK is a significant achievement; how has this recognition influenced your work, and what advice do you have for others aspiring to impact the humanitarian sector positively and beyond?

Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu: ForbesBLK recognition has amplified the visibility of our initiatives, opening doors to valuable collaborations and partnerships. My advice to others is: – Stay true to your mission – Build a strong network and leverage your unique strengths. – Authenticity and perseverance are key. – Recognize the power of collaboration and be open to learning from diverse perspectives.

Rajni Vohra: Your leadership roles are quite a lot, including your role as a Cabinet Minister at ROW, which demonstrates your commitment to making a difference at a broader scale. How do you balance the responsibilities of these diverse roles, and what skills do you believe are crucial for effective leadership in humanitarian aid and global initiatives?

Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu: Balancing diverse roles requires – Effective time management – Delegation and a strong support team. Crucial leadership skills include – Adaptability – Empathy and – Effective communication, especially about a compelling vision. – Leaders in humanitarian aid must navigate complexities, foster collaboration, and remain agile in response to evolving challenges. – Emotional intelligence and a genuine passion for making a positive impact are also paramount.

Rajni Vohra: With your extensive experience, particularly as the CEO of Naza Agape Foundation, how do you envision the future of humanitarian aid and its role in global development? Are there emerging trends or approaches that you find particularly promising or challenging?

Prayer Nwagboso Ikegwuonu: The future of humanitarian aid lies in – Innovative and sustainable solutions that address root causes. – Leveraging technology for efficient resource allocation – Prioritising community-led development and – Fostering cross-sector partnerships is a promising trend. However, the challenge lies in addressing systemic issues and ensuring aid efforts contribute to long-term resilience rather than perpetuating dependency on short-term solutions. Balancing innovation with cultural sensitivity will be crucial for meaningful and lasting impact.

Rajni Vohra:Thank you for the thought-provoking exchange.

 

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