WOW Africa Champions Lifelong Learning For Global Change

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Organisation for Women (WOW) Africa, Chief Mrs Carol Ugochukwu, has expressed optimism that the 2025 WOW Leadership Programme has cultivated a new generation of future leaders who will significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Speaking at the recently concluded annual program, Chief Ugochukwu urged the participants, primarily students, to nurture the passion ignited within them.

In a virtual address, the CEO expressed her delight that the program, established in 2022, continues to expand in scope and quality.

“WOW Africa, as you know, is an initiative for African women to confidently share their stories, amplify their voices, build strong families, and provide platforms for the voiceless in collaborative solidarity to develop community-specific solutions to their challenges.

“The theme of this fourth edition – ‘From Potential to Purpose: Made to Impact’ – challenges participants to relentlessly strive to positively impact their generation.

“I am confident that the students who attended the two-day event have been transformed.

“My appeal to them is to keep the flame burning until WOW Africa’s goal of empowering women and girls is realised.

“This goal aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, which is why our activities are centred around the SDGs,” she explained.

In her message for the occasion, Executive Director of WOW Africa, Mrs Amaka Akudinobi, emphasised that sustainable learning is crucial for achieving the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Mrs Akudinobi, whose message was read by the Secretary of WOW Africa, Mrs Ngozi Chukwujekwu, stated, “Our programs are designed to mitigate the debilitating effects of extreme poverty, oppressive cultural restrictions, and gender-based discrimination that undermine the rights and lives of women and children.

“For us at WOW Africa, the WOW Way encompasses Faith, Family, Education, Mentorship, and Community.”

The Executive Director explained the origins of the SDGs to the participating secondary school students. “In 2015, all members of the United Nations collaborated to create a plan addressing peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and in the future.

“They believed that many, if not all, of the Sustainable Development Goals could be attained by 2030. To maintain these goals, a sustainable learning culture is essential.”

Mrs Akudinobi clarified that a sustainable learning culture would enable individuals to become better members of their communities.

“I will conclude by sharing a quote from my father, Ichie Dala Omeokachie, on learning: ‘We must all be life-long students.’ This quote has guided me throughout my life.

Nelson Mandela also stated, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”

In another message titled “How Can I Live to Learn?”, WOW Africa’s Lead Teen Advisor, Mrs Zara Ilona, described the SDGs as calls to action, highlighting the need for lifelong learners.

“A learning culture, or the dedication to adaptation, understanding, and the advancement of humanity, is critical to societal development. Without a commitment to continuously seek knowledge, we risk hindering civilisation’s progress and impeding human innovation and growth.

“The duty of being a lifelong learner, although seemingly daunting, is essential for achieving the 17 goals outlined in the United Nations’ Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We must be the defining difference and strive to be the generation that breaks free from the traditional culture of projecting apathy.

“Our dedication, our mission, to live a life guided by learning will distinguish our generation from those of the past.

“The impact of our learning should not be underestimated. The acquisition of knowledge unveils innovative opportunities.”

The Teen Advisor explained that a lifelong learner possesses the capacity to resolve conflicting disputes.

“When confronted with the adversities and obstacles of the world around us, we must ask ourselves: How can I live to learn?” she concluded.

Through a series of presentations centred on the SDGs, the two-day leadership program, moderated by WOW Africa Media Director, Mrs Ify Aronu-Okafor, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing a purpose-driven generation of young leaders prepared to promote sustainable development in Africa.