Singapore Honour Celebrates Her Leadership, Women’s Advocacy and Humanitarian Impact
By: Chioma Vivian James
The Standup for Women Society (SWS) has celebrated its Founder and National President, Barrister Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, following her recognition as a “Global Woman of Influence” at a prestigious award ceremony held in Singapore on September 19, 2026.
The international recognition has been welcomed by the National Executive Council, state chapters and members of SWS across Nigeria and the Diaspora as a significant acknowledgement of Ijadele-Adetona’s years of leadership, advocacy and commitment to women, girls and vulnerable members of society.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday by the Office of the Deputy Director-General, Media, Publicity and Communication, SWS National Headquarters Ladi Dinci Emmanuel, the organisation described its National President as an “Amazon,” “Mother” and “Visionary Leader” whose dedication to advancing the welfare and rights of women has continued to attract recognition beyond Nigeria.
The statement, signed by Ladi Dinci Emmanuel, Deputy Director-General, Media, Publicity and Communication, SWS, said the global honour was a testament to the passion, sacrifice and purposeful leadership demonstrated by Ijadele-Adetona over the years.
According to the organisation, the recognition reflects the impact of her efforts in transforming SWS from an idea into a growing movement committed to restoring hope, dignity, opportunities and a stronger voice to women and girls.
“Your life daily inspires us to be bold, to be compassionate, to stand for justice, and to be a voice for the vulnerable women and girls in our society and the nation at large,” the statement said.
SWS further credited its National President with nurturing the organisation into what it described as a formidable platform for women, with activities and advocacy programmes reaching communities across Nigeria and extending into the Diaspora.
The society noted that the Singapore recognition provided another opportunity for members to celebrate not only Ijadele-Adetona’s personal achievement but also the broader values of service, advocacy, compassion and leadership that have shaped the SWS movement.
The congratulatory message described the honour as a source of pride for members of the organisation and another moment of international visibility for Nigerian women making meaningful contributions to society.
“Ma, you have made Nigeria proud. You have made every SWS woman proud. You have made womanhood proud,” the organisation stated.
The society expressed optimism that the recognition would open further international opportunities for Ijadele-Adetona to contribute to humanitarian initiatives, women-focused programmes and advocacy for vulnerable groups.
It also prayed for greater opportunities, strength and continued impact as she advances her leadership and advocacy work.
The statement concluded with a celebratory message from the entire SWS family:
“Congratulations, Our Global Icon!”
The recognition comes as SWS continues to pursue programmes focused on women’s empowerment, advocacy, social responsibility and the protection and advancement of vulnerable women and girls.
For members of the organisation, the Singapore honour represents more than a personal milestone for their National President. It is also a moment of collective celebration for the women, families and communities connected to the SWS movement and its vision of creating a society where women and girls can live with dignity, opportunity and a stronger voice.
