By Chioma Vivian James
Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, M.CloD, FITD, has been appointed Grand Matron of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), in recognition of her outstanding leadership, commitment to women’s empowerment and dedication to community and national development.
The appointment, dated August 23, 2026, was conveyed by the President and Founder of INWOAD, Lady Evelyn Onyilo, on behalf of the Board, Management and members of the organisation.
According to INWOAD, Oyewole’s appointment reflects her demonstrated commitment to initiatives that promote the advancement, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls, as well as her support for programmes aimed at creating positive social change.
As Grand Matron, Oyewole is expected to serve as a distinguished patron and inspirational figure, providing guidance, encouragement and strategic support towards the realisation of INWOAD’s mission, vision and objectives.
She is also expected to lend her voice and influence to critical issues affecting women and girls, particularly gender equality, women’s empowerment, leadership development and the protection of women and girls from discrimination, violence and harmful practices.
Driving Women’s Development Across Africa
Established in 2015, the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa is committed to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women and girls to realise their full potential.
The organisation advocates against discrimination, violence and harmful practices while promoting women’s participation in leadership and governance. It also focuses on reproductive health and other issues affecting the wellbeing and development of women and girls.
With the mission of championing the mobilisation of women and providing a veritable platform for advocacy on gender equality across Africa, INWOAD envisions women and other stakeholders serving as agents of positive change towards gender equality and equity.
Its core values are built around advocacy, leadership, excellence, empowerment, self-esteem and friendship.
A Call to Greater Service
The organisation expressed confidence that Oyewole’s wealth of experience, wisdom, leadership qualities and passion for positive change would strengthen INWOAD’s programmes and expand its impact across Africa.
Describing the appointment as both an honour and a call to continued service, INWOAD said it looks forward to benefiting from Oyewole’s counsel, support and leadership in advancing its objectives.
The appointment also represents a significant opportunity for INWOAD to further amplify its advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable society where women and girls are empowered to participate meaningfully in leadership, development and decision-making.
For Oyewole, the new responsibility places her at the centre of an important continental conversation on women’s rights, empowerment and inclusion.
Her emergence as Grand Matron is therefore expected to add greater visibility, experience and influence to INWOAD’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the development of women across Africa.
INWOAD congratulated Mrs. Oyewole on her appointment, expressing optimism that the partnership would be fruitful, enduring and impactful.
The appointment marks another step in INWOAD’s continuing drive to build stronger platforms through which African women and girls can access opportunities, exercise their rights and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the continent at large.
