2025 Inter. Women’s Day: I Won’t Relent In Empowering, Uplifting Owerri West, Imo State, Nigerian Women – Michael Amaefula 

 By Saviola Godwin

Mr. Michael Chukwudi Amaefula fondly called Kun Khalifat, proudly joins the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

International Women’s Day, marked on March 8th, is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. And *the theme for the year 2025 is “Accelerate Action”.*

In his statement, the reputable CEO of a foremost privately owned football club in Imo state, Kun Khalifat FC, a cheerful humanitarian, an astute entrepreneur and a great philanthropist, stated, “Today’s celebration of International Women’s Day is another landmark in the history of womanhood globally. There is no doubt that womanhood deserves celebration in our society for the motherly role God has placed on them from creation. I see this day as more than just a celebration, it’s a chance to honour the women who have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and paved the way for others. These women are not just succeeding in their fields; they are reaching back to uplift others, ensuring that progress is both personal and collective.”

“I celebrate most especially with the good and great women of Owerri West LGA in particular, Imo and Nigeria at large as *”Accelerate Action”* is a call to move forward in order to achieve gender equality which should not just focus on celebration but on action that brings real change to issues that continue to hinder women’s progress in society. I will do more than I have done in the past to develop, empower and uplift my people, our women in all endeavours of life”, he further stated.

“I will _accelerate action_ more than ever in achieving significant progress towards gender equality, while also emphasizing the need for continued efforts to achieve a society where women have equal access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare”, he said.

Kun Khalifat, reiterated his commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women to take on entrepreneurial and leadership roles.

The sports enthusiast however, celebrated the achievements of women like Nnedinma Obioha from Owerri, the only woman in West Africa managing five Aptech IT training centers, a remarkable feat in an industry overwhelmingly dominated by men. Ada Priscilla Nzimiro from  Imo state who was the first Igbo woman to graduate as a medical doctor from the University of Glasgow and inspired many young women to pursue medicine.

Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa also from Imo, who has been called the mother of modern African Literature and the first African woman novelist to be published in the English language in Britain.

Onyeka Onwenu, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Dora Akunyili, Tobi Amusan, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Chioma Ajunwa, Stella Mbachu, Desire Oparanozie and many others who have paved the way for future generations, honouring their courage, resilience, and determination.

He also acknowledged the countless women who work tirelessly in their communities, making positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Amaefula issued a call to action, urging everyone to work together to create a society where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive and prosper.

“Let us challenge discriminatory practices and promote gender equality in all aspects of life,” he opined.

The celebration of International Women’s Day is a testament to the global recognition of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment.