Abuja, Nigeria – August 2, 2025
The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) hosted its highly anticipated Abuja Meet & Greet on August 2, bringing together an inspiring mix of current fellows, alumni, stakeholders, and supporters for an evening of reflection, reconnection, and renewed commitment to women-led transformation in Africa’s food systems.

Set against the backdrop of the culturally rich Taste of Arewa, hosted by LAWFF alumna Maryam, the event served as a vital touchpoint for building bridges across cohorts and sparking dynamic conversations that continue to shape LAWFF’s legacy.

A Night of Welcome, Purpose, and Power

The evening began with a warm welcome from the LAWFF Program Coordinator- Adanna Imafidor, who set a tone of celebration and intention. This was followed by an inspiring opening from the Program Manager - Kachi Nwachukwu, who reaffirmed the program’s mission of building a community where African women in food systems can thrive, lead, and uplift each other. Her remarks emphasized the role of intergenerational support and collaboration in dismantling outdated leadership narratives and forging a new path for women across the continent.

Heartfelt Introductions and Fellowship

The Program Officer - Gloriapraise Bassey, facilitated a lively and intimate round of introductions, where fellows and alumni shared personal stories about their journeys in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and leadership. These moments were filled with laughter, vulnerability, and shared understanding, creating a space where trust and connection flourished.

A Powerful Leadership Dialogue with Oge Moldie

The highlight of the evening was a fireside-style dialogue with Oge Moldie, Sahel Consulting board member, whose thought-provoking reflections explored the realities of female leadership, balancing professional ambition with personal life, and the importance of building strong, values-driven teams. She challenged the limiting narrative that women cannot collaborate effectively and instead called for a culture of mutual support, boldness, and purpose-driven leadership among women in the sector.

Real-Time Mentorship and Open Dialogue

An interactive Q&A session followed, offering fellows the opportunity to engage directly with Oge. Questions ranged from overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating team dynamics and scaling businesses. The exchange created a live mentorship moment, raw, honest, and deeply impactful.

Toast to the LAWFF Community

In a heartfelt gesture that added warmth and significance to the evening, Engr. Ronald; a dedicated mentor and 2025 selection committee judge for LAWFF, gave a moving toast to the community. He celebrated the courage and leadership of the women in the room, encouraged continued collaboration across cohorts, and applauded LAWFF for creating a platform that fosters purpose-driven women leaders. His toast was met with enthusiastic applause and served as a unifying moment that underscored the spirit of the gathering.

Reflections and Stakeholder Engagement

LAWFF alumni shared compelling testimonies of personal and professional growth catalyzed by the fellowship, emphasizing the program’s transformative impact. Stakeholders, including selection committee members and training panel judges, were also present, lending further depth to the evening through intergenerational dialogue and relationship-building.

With representation from Abuja and surrounding states, the event ensured regional inclusivity and brought the LAWFF vision to life in a powerful and locally grounded way.

A Legacy of Women-Led Transformation

The LAWFF Abuja Meet & Greet reaffirmed that when African women in food systems come together with intention, vulnerability, and shared purpose, transformation follows. The event served not only as a celebration of progress but as a powerful reminder of the work ahead and the strength of the community driving it.

As LAWFF continues to scale its impact across the African continent, events like this will remain central to cultivating leadership, building bridges across generations, and sustaining a powerful alumni movement that’s reshaping Africa’s food future one conversation, one connection, and one courageous woman at a time.