Ijaw Women Connect founder receives laurels at Global Female Leadership Bootcamp

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

 Mrs Rosemary John-Oduone, founder, Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) has been honoured at the just concluded Qatar 2024 Female Founders Global SHEEO Leadership Bootcamp for her accomplishments in development activities in the Niger Delta region.

John-Oduone, who spoke in a telephone interview, said she was listed amongst the selected 50-under-50 awardees from over 13 countries that participated in the female leadership programme held from May 9 to 11.

The IWC founder noted that she is honoured to receive the award from the First Lady of Iceland.   Madam Eliza Reid.

“From the Creeks of the Niger Delta to a global stage. The Ijaw Cum-Niger Delta struggle must be told. It is our history. Sharing a global space with women from the Middle East and Africa and having been selected as one of the speakers, God saw me through and I spoke to the hearts of the audience.

“Almost everyone came to tears as the slides from my presentation showed the remains of the Niger Delta environment from oil spillages and the exploration activities by IOCs.

“I had the opportunity to share the podium with CEOs and women leaders from Belgium. UAE, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Qatar, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and USA.

“It was a conference chaired by the First Lady of Iceland. Her Excellency. Madam Eliza Reid. I got the double honour of being given an award and chosen as a speaker at the prestigious forum. It can only be God,” John-Oduone said.

She said that her presentation was regarded as the most engaging, and elicited interest and questions about the Niger Delta region.

She explained that the recognition provided an opportunity to seek global partnerships and support to brand the Ijaw Women in the global space, adding that there is no limit to self-actualization.

The Ijaw women leader expressed appreciation to, Rosheen Ngorima, President of Female Founders Initiative for finding her and her work in IWC worthy to be recognised and awarded laurels.