The second annual Her Network Woman of the Year (HNWOTY) Awards which took place on Sunday, December 2, at Landmark Towers saw the gathering of industrious women from diverse backgrounds, who came together to celebrate outstanding women of impact in 2018.
The guests stayed true to the theme of the night, ‘Majestic’ and stunned in different regal looks. The prestigious event was hosted by ex-beauty queen and artiste, Munachi Abii and actress cum TV producer, Simi Drey.
The keynote speech titled “Measurable Impact” was delivered by 2017 Her Network Technology Woman of the Year and First CNN Heroes nominee from Nigeria and the only African this year, Ms Abisoye Ajayi Akinfolari, who also presented the 2018 HNWOTY Technology Woman of the Year Award to Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, founder of Women’s Technology Empowerment Center (W.Tec).
Other winners include Chinwe Egwin (Career), Anokwuru Chinyere (Community Service), Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau-Ameh (Entertainment), Inyang Out (Philanthropy), Ola Brown (Entrepreneur), Dr Maymunaii Yusuf Kadiri (Healthcare), Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Start-Up), Folawe Omikunle (Education), Mirabele Morah (Woman of the Future) and Thembelihle Khumalo from Zimbabwe (Social Media)
One of the highlights of the evening was the outstanding show of support, unity and positivity by the Woman of the Future Nominees who exemplified “Women Supporting Women” by cheering on the winner in their category and even going further to walk her to the stage, these young women were the talk of the evening.
Dancer and instructor, Ukalina Celine Opuwari, serenaded the audience with a performance to legendary poet Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” during the event. The final award of the night was given to Osayi Alile, who was announced as the Her Network Woman of the Year 2018 (Overall Achiever). Osayi is the founding curator, Global Shapers Forum Nigeria and is passionate about the social sector and believes that impact must be made rapidly and consistently to foster development.
Photo credit: Studio 24 Nigeria
