LAWFF Lagos Meet & Greet: Bridging Generations Over Fine Dining and Sisterhood
NEWS REPORT
Lagos, Nigeria – July 29, 2025
In an atmosphere infused with warmth, laughter, and shared purpose, the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) held its Lagos Meet & Greet on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event brought together fellows from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts for a powerful evening of connection, storytelling, and visioning at an intimate fine dining experience hosted in Lagos.
Organized under the theme “Bridging Generations”, the Meet & Greet served as a strategic touchpoint for deepening the bonds within LAWFF’s growing alumni network while offering a safe space for honest reflection, knowledge exchange, and celebration of leadership journeys in Africa’s food and agriculture ecosystem.
The event kicked off with heartfelt opening remarks by Aisha Hadija, Managing Partner at Sahel Consulting, followed by an engaging self-introduction session where each fellow used adjectives starting with their name initials to share their stories, entrepreneurial paths, and personal growth moments.
A major highlight of the evening was an inspiring fireside chat with Binta Max-Gbinije, Board Member at Sahel Consulting, who shared candid insights on effective leadership, succession planning, and the power of collaboration among women in business. Alumni, including Chef Amaka, joined the conversation, creating a dynamic dialogue enriched by lived experiences.
An unexpected yet touching moment came when 11-year-old Mmesoma, daughter of LAWFF Alumni VP Ozioma, asked if LAWFF could be replicated for children sparking a reflective pause and a renewed conversation about engaging younger generations in agriculture and leadership.
The event culminated in a special toast led by Binta Max-Gbinije, honoring the resilience, innovation, and impact of LAWFF fellows. Guests were treated to an immersive tasting menu titled “Ayo” (Joy), curated by LAWFF Fellow and host Chef Moyo, founder of Atije, a food brand that celebrates Nigerian heritage through storytelling and culinary artistry.
Key Outcomes from the Event:
- Stronger Alumni and Inter-Cohort Bonds: Fellows and alumni connected deeply across cohorts, sharing experiences and building relationships that reinforced LAWFF’s values of sisterhood and solidarity.
- Real-Time Mentorship and Learning: Structured and organic mentorship moments emerged through interactive Q&A sessions, storytelling, and podcast interviews.
- Youth Programming Inspiration: Mmesoma’s heartfelt question planted the seed for exploring LAWFF Junior a future initiative aimed at nurturing young girls in agriculture and leadership.
- Elevated Visibility and Inclusion: With a culturally rooted venue hosted by a LAWFF fellow, the event championed inclusivity.
- Momentum for LAN Strengthened: The event reaffirmed the importance of the LAWFF Alumni Network (LAN) as a space for continued learning, collaboration, and transformative leadership.
As the evening closed, fellows expressed renewed commitment to advancing the mission of LAWFF to amplify women’s voices, drive food systems transformation, and shape Africa’s future from the farm to the boardroom.
With Abuja set to host the next LAWFF Meet & Greet on August 2, 2025, the momentum continues fueled by community, legacy, and a shared appetite for change.
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