The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos recently hosted a pivotal event, the Lagos Forum: Women’s Empowerment Dialogue, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Ikeja. This exclusive, high-level discussion brought together outstanding women leaders who were selected for a special dialogue with Consul General, Yan Yuqing.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of a select group of outstanding Nigerian women leaders for their exceptional contributions across sectors such as women empowerment, advocacy, governance, and social impact. These honourees were specially invited for a private dialogue with Consul General Yan Yuqing.
Among the women celebrated were: Oyebola Oyedele, Founder, Social Impact Steward; Oluwatimilehin Onafeso, Executive Director, WAAW Foundation; Amb. Dr. Franca Eze, Founder/President MyBodyMyAsset Cancer Foundation; Edith Ijeh, Skills HR Africa; Nebechi Grace Ezennaya, Founder, Zenaya Global Limited; Glory Oguegbu, Founder, Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI); and Titilope Adeola-Adeyemi, Founder/Creative Director, Stylebyteehi.
More than just a gathering, the event served as a notable platform for promoting women’s leadership and cross-cultural collaboration. It provided a unique opportunity for the specially invited guests and participants to engage with a high-level diplomatic representative on crucial topics, including women’s leadership, cultural exchange, and future collaboration.
The dialogue celebrates these exceptional women and creates a powerful environment for connection, shared vision, and empowering the next generation of female leaders in Nigeria.
The forum also drew an impressive roster of dignitaries and organizational leaders who came to show support for the event, and the China-Nigeria women empowerment agenda. Distinguished guests included Zhou Jun, President of the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria; Mrs. Funke Oduwole, President of the International Women’s Society; Hon. (Mrs) Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Ambassador Nneka Isaac Moses, co-founder of Goge Africa; and Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, philanthropist and spiritual leader of the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S.
The collaborative spirit was palpable, culminating in a forward-looking commitment from the honored participants. A spokesperson for the celebrated women captured the sentiment, stating, “The Consul-General, Yan Yuqing and her team didn’t just host an event; they provided a launchpad.”
Concluding the successful dialogue, the outstanding women leaders expressed their readiness to transform the inspiration into action.
“To the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, the Association of Chinese Women in Nigeria, and all distinguished high-profile attendees, your invitation was the catalyst,” the spokesperson added. “We stand ready to leverage our diverse expertise, local knowledge, and shared vision to build the future you championed. We look forward to initiating discussions on how we can collaborate to unlock the next level of Chinese-Nigerian partnership.”
The Lagos Forum has thus sparked more than dialogue; it has ignited a collaborative alliance poised to drive meaningful progress in bilateral relations and women empowerment.
