The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, and the founder of Thelema Lion Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Lilian Agu, have called for deliberate commitment and policy implementation to enhance economic empowerment among women in Nigeria. They made this call on Tuesday at the 2026 “Women Arise Symposium,” organized by the Foundation to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, held at Central School Ezi East, Umueleagwa Onicha Mbaise, Imo State.
Represented by the Imo State Coordinator of the NHRC, Dr. Valentine Madubuoke, Ojukwu emphasized that such commitment is essential for both government and individuals to eradicate poverty among women. The event was powered by the NHRC, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. Ojukwu commended Thelema Lion Foundation, noting, “This is the third time this programme is taking place, and it encourages individuals to feel safe and protected, fostering partnerships to work together and enhance safety.”
Explaining that economic empowerment safeguards gender equity and human rights, Ojukwu stated: “Economic empowerment has its own peculiar focus as it enables people to make their own decisions successfully, encourages individuals to voice their needs, and participate actively in safety planning. It helps individuals feel safe and protected to report abuse and complain without fear of negative consequences. Furthermore, it encourages partnership so that people can work together to build on personal strength to advance safety. The NHRC will continue to support such programmes and partner with any government, government agency, NGO, CSO, or individuals at the forefront of activities that protect and promote human rights in society and our government. This is because the NHRC is an agency with an extra-judicial mechanism for the respect and empowerment of rights.”
In her speech, the founder of the foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Lilian Agu, noted that the most powerful tools for safeguarding gender equity and advancing human rights are social inclusion policies that strengthen the empowerment of families and, by extension, communities for national growth. She said: “Economic empowerment is not merely about income; it is about access—access to education, opportunities, resources, and decision-making spaces. It is about breaking systemic barriers that have for too long limited the potentials of women and girls. It is about ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, can rise, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
She stressed that empowerment will not happen in isolation, contending that it requires “intentional policies, collaborative efforts, mentorship, access to funding, skills acquisition, and continuous advocacy.” She called for inputs from all layers of government, the private sector, and civil society. She thanked the NHRC for its unwavering commitment and partnership with the foundation in promoting fair play, justice, human dignity, and protection of lives, as well as empowerment of women.
An official of the foundation, Eberechi Marcus, informed that the body, duly registered with relevant government agencies, is also committed to child education, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment, including offering scholarships to numerous intelligent indigent students across communities. According to him, under the nutrition programme, the foundation recently gifted over 700 households with five bags of palliative packages, including bags of rice, garri, and tubers of yams, to uplift the lives of the vulnerable and cushion the effects of economic hardships in the country.
Witnessed by some monarchs and community leaders, the foundation distributed equipment to selected women, such as grinding and sewing machines and farm implements. The event also featured awards and symbolic presentation of starter packs to beneficiaries to boost the entrepreneurship programme.
