By Chioma Vivian James

A visionary woman leader whose passion for service, women’s empowerment and grassroots mobilisation continues to inspire

The Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA) has paid tribute to its late Plateau State Coordinator, Hon. Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar, describing her as a visionary woman leader whose commitment to service, women’s empowerment and grassroots mobilisation left an enduring mark on the organisation.

Dr. Gupar, who died recently, was remembered not only for the position she occupied within BWI-RHA, but for the passion, courage and dedication she brought to the advancement of women and the strengthening of the organisation’s structures in Plateau State.

In a tribute issued by the Convener and Director-General of BWI-RHA, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, the late Plateau State Coordinator was described as a woman who embraced the vision of the organisation with remarkable commitment and worked tirelessly to build a strong and purposeful network of women.

According to Oyewole, Dr. Gupar was “more than a State Coordinator,” having distinguished herself as a woman of vision, courage, service and uncommon dedication.

She noted that Dr. Gupar firmly believed in the capacity of women to create economic opportunities, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Her leadership, Oyewole said, was characterised by commitment, mobilisation, compassion and action, adding that she devoted her time, energy and influence to the growth of BWI-RHA and to encouraging women to see themselves as agents of change.

A Woman Who Planted Seeds

Oyewole said one of the most enduring aspects of Dr. Gupar’s legacy was the foundation she helped build through her relationships with women and her commitment to the BWI-RHA vision.

“Jophia planted seeds. She built relationships. She mobilised women. She championed the vision. And ⇓she left footprints that will not easily be erased,” she stated.

She stressed that although Dr. Gupar’s time with the organisation was cut short, the impact of her service remained significant.

According to her, the late BWI-RHA Plateau State Coordinator understood that leadership was not merely about occupying a position, but about touching lives, building people and creating opportunities for others.

Her contribution, she noted, extended beyond official responsibilities, as Dr. Gupar consistently demonstrated a passion for women’s advancement and a willingness to support initiatives aimed at strengthening communities.

Legacy Beyond Her Time

The BWI-RHA leadership said Dr. Gupar’s death should not mark the end of the vision she passionately supported, but should instead inspire members and women across Plateau State to build on the foundation she helped establish.

Oyewole urged members of the organisation to ensure that the structures Dr. Gupar contributed to building become stronger, while the women she inspired continue the work of empowerment and community development.

She said the best way to honour the late State Coordinator would be to keep alive the values she represented and ensure that the women she mobilised continue to grow and make meaningful contributions to society.

“May the women she inspired continue the work she started. May the structures she helped build become stronger. May the vision she embraced continue to flourish in Plateau State and beyond,” Oyewole said.

She described Dr. Gupar’s legacy as a source of inspiration to women within and outside BWI-RHA, noting that her influence would continue through the people and initiatives she touched.

A Legacy of Sisterhood

Oyewole also acknowledged the role Dr. Gupar played in strengthening the bond of sisterhood within BWI-RHA, particularly among members of the Plateau State Chapter.

She said that although Dr. Gupar had departed, the relationships and sense of unity she helped foster remained an important part of the organisation’s identity.

The BWI-RHA leadership also expressed appreciation to members who travelled to Plateau State to attend Dr. Gupar’s burial and identify with her family during the period of mourning.

According to Oyewole, the presence of members at the burial was a demonstration of love, solidarity, sisterhood and commitment to the BWI-RHA family.

She said the gesture was a reminder that Dr. Gupar did not walk her journey alone and that the organisation remained united with her family and the Plateau State Chapter in mourning her loss.

As the organisation continues to mourn the death of its Plateau State Coordinator, BWI-RHA says the most enduring tribute to Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar will be to continue the work she believed in.

Her story, the organisation said, is ultimately one of service, leadership, empowerment and impact.

Her journey may have ended, but the seeds she planted remain, and those seeds, BWI-RHA believes, will continue to grow.