**GAIA AFRICA Celebrates Women Leaders and New Members on International Women's Day** On March 8, 2026, GAIA AFRICA marked International Women's Day with an elegant gathering at GAIA House in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event brought together accomplished women leaders in business, policy, and enterprise who are shaping the future of the continent. The evening's highlight was the presentation of the 2025 Global Champion Award to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, global economic progress, and commitment to advancing women. The induction of new members into the GAIA AFRICA community was a central aspect of the event. The pinning ceremony underscored the organisation's commitment to building a trusted, values-driven network of women leaders dedicated to collaboration and shared growth. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Olatowun Candide-Johnson, General Manager, Mena Imasekha, and founding members welcomed each new inductee with the GAIA Pin, symbolic of the spirit of excellence, collaboration, and community, as well as GAIA values of Mutual Trust, Integrity, and Authenticity. The event featured a distinguished group of founding members, including Angela Emuwa, Chairman of *Punch Nigeria*; Fola Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Industry; Tokunbo Lawal, Managing Director of UPDC Facility Management Limited; Bimbo Onakomaiya, CEO of Peakthrust Insurance Brokers Limited; Bola Adesola, Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria; Toyosi Olatunji, Group Chief Project Officer at Leadway Holdings; and Toyin Adeniji, Board Member at CREDICORP. Their presence alongside other GAIA members reflected the strength and influence of the network GAIA AFRICA continues to cultivate. Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, delivered the evening's keynote address. She spoke compellingly on leadership, resilience, and the responsibility women carry in shaping institutions and societies, remarks that resonated strongly with the audience of executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The New Members' Evening reaffirmed GAIA AFRICA's position as a dynamic community championing purposeful leadership. Since its founding, GAIA AFRICA has remained committed to supporting women who are driving transformation across sectors and contributing meaningfully to Africa's economic and social advancement. The organisation provides a safe space for women decision-makers across industries to connect, collaborate, build, and advance. Through meaningful experiences, leadership development, business and investment opportunities, and culturally resonant programming, GAIA AFRICA creates an environment purpose-built to elevate women and amplify their influence across the continent.