I recently attended the ThisDay/Arise News Women of Impact event held to commemorate International Women’s Day — an evening that turned out to be far more meaningful than I had anticipated. My presence was shaped by a dual responsibility. I was there not only as a guest, but also as a proud representative, entrusted with the honour of receiving an award on behalf of my sister, Elizabeth Idigbe, who was unavoidably absent and thousands of kilometres away.
The recognition she received was both well-deserved and deeply inspiring. Beyond her distinguished accomplishments as a lawyer and Managing Partner at PUNUKA Attorneys, she has continued to make a profound difference through her advocacy and sustained support for children with special needs. Standing in her place was therefore a moment filled with pride, gratitude and reflection on the many journeys that shape women’s leadership and influence.
Preparing for the evening became an experience in itself. I knew the occasion demanded elegance and presence, and thanks to the thoughtful attention of Eziada Folashade Balogun, I was certainly dressed for the moment. Looking the part, however, came with its own humorous reality. Under the glare of lights and the swirl of cameras, I became acutely aware that my facial pores were quietly protesting beneath the weight of elaborate make-up. It was a light-hearted reminder that impact events often come with their own behind-the-scenes stories.
As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere was one of celebration and affirmation. One after another, accomplished women from diverse fields walked confidently to the stage, each sharing stories of perseverance, faith and the support systems that enabled their success. Their acknowledgements — to family, mentors and partners — highlighted an enduring truth: meaningful achievement is rarely a solitary endeavour. The evening was further dignified by the presence of prominent national figures across governance, finance, traditional leadership and public service, reflecting the growing recognition of women’s contributions to national development.
In the midst of the glamour and formal proceedings, I unexpectedly found myself taking on yet another role — that of an unofficial photographer. Friends and acquaintances were eager to capture memories of the night, and I was happy to oblige, documenting moments that reflected both joy and shared pride. It was a reminder that such gatherings are as much about connection and community as they are about recognition.
Most important to me was the message I had been asked to convey. On behalf of my sister, I expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the organisers for the honour bestowed upon her. I also shared her gratitude to our father, Joseph Dike Abiagom, whose guidance helped dispel the long-held notion that a woman must choose between the kitchen and the boardroom, or accept limitations on her aspirations. She wished to recognise the unwavering support of her husband, Dr Anthony Idigbe, SAN, as well as her son, Chuka Idigbe, whose experiences opened her eyes to the unique challenges faced by children with special needs and inspired her advocacy in that space.
As the event stretched beyond midnight, I was eventually compelled to depart. Another responsibility awaited — a journey of more than 10,700 kilometres by air calling me onward. Later, when I watched recordings from the evening, I saw that Angela Ezenweani had stepped forward to receive the award and, quite honestly, delivered the moment with remarkable grace. It was a fitting reflection of the spirit of the night — one defined by solidarity, mutual support and the uplifting power of women championing one another.
Events such as this do more than celebrate individual achievement. They reinforce the importance of visibility, mentorship and collective progress. They remind us that impact is often intergenerational and that leadership gains deeper meaning when it inspires others. Above all, they affirm that the journey towards transformation is strengthened when women stand together, share their stories and continue to expand the boundaries of possibility.