Speakers
H.E. Patrick Achi
President, National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire; Former Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire
Keynote Speaker
Mr. Ekenem Isichei
Deputy Director, Programme Advocacy & Communications (PAC), Nigeria, Gates Foundation
Keynote Speaker
H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare
Executive Governor of Zamfara State
Special Guest
H.E. Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq
First Lady of Kwara State & Chairperson, Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum
Special Guest
H.E. Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi
Co-founder, Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement; Former First Lady of Ekiti State
Forum Chair
Hon. Fatoumata Traoré Diop
Vice-President, National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire
Special Guest
Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi
Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR
Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria
Fireside Chat
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN
Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
Forum Chair
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako
Minister of State for Health and Social Wellbeing
Special Guest
Mr. David Sproule
Chargé d'affaires, High Commission of Canada in Nigeria
Special Guest
Amb. 'Dapo Oyewole
Secretary-General, Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Union Legislatures (CoSPAL)
Special Guest
Ms. Cynthia Rowe
Head of Development Cooperation, FCDO, British High Commission
Special Guest
H.E. Amb. Dr. Safiya Ahmad Nuhu
Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano
Special Guest
Rodio Diallo
Deputy Director, Family Health, Family Planning and MNCNH, Nigeria Country Office, Gates Foundation
Special Guest
Dr. Kole Shettima
Director, MacArthur Foundation, Nigeria Country Office
Special Guest
Nabila Aguele
Chief Executive Officer, Malala Fund
Special Guest
Dr. Amina Dorayi
Regional Portfolio Director, West & Central Africa, Pathfinder; Chair, Technical Advisory Committee, GS-26
Special Guest
Dr. Charles Usie
Country Director, Plan International, Nigeria
Special Guest
Dr. Moody Oluwatobiloba
Director, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); Co-Chair, Technical Advisory Committee, GS-26
Special Guest
Duncan Harvey
Country Director, Save the Children, Nigeria
Special Guest
Dr. Olufunke Fasawe
Country Director, CHAI Nigeria
Forum Co-Chair
Ms. Beatrice Eyong
UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Forum Chair
Lilian Mutea
Director of Programs and PHC, CHAI Nigeria
Moderator
Bukky Shonibare
Founder / Executive Director, Invictus Africa
Moderator
Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru
Founder, WARIF
Forum Host
Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
Forum Co-Chair
Michael Olufemi Olarinde
Special Adviser on Revenue to the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy
From Tax Reform to Last-Mile Impact
Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas
Special Advisor to the President on Health
Evidence for Action for Perimenopause in Nigeria
Angel Fadahunsi
Group Director, Human Capital Management & Chairperson, Gender Equality Committee, Nigeria Revenue Service
Forum Chair
Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Sadiq
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kaduna State; Consultant Medical Epidemiologist / Reproductive Health Specialist
Panelist
Joyce Onyegbula
Head, Corporate Communications, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
Special Guest
Mr. Musa Ali Musa
Director, Economic Services, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
Economic Inclusion Forum
Dr. Anthony Adoghe
Deputy Director, PRS, Federal Ministry of Health
Panelist
Dr. Obi Adigwe
Pioneer National Coordinator, National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO)
Panelist
Mr. Duru John
Deputy Director, Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Panelist
Dr. John Ovuraye
Director, Health Planning Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Panelist
Hon. Dr. Umar Garba Pella
Commissioner of Education, Adamawa State
Panelist
Ibrahim Ahmed
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bauchi State
Panelist
Haladu Mohammed
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Kano State
Panelist
Hon. Justice Mabel Segun-Bello
Judge, Federal High Court, Enugu State
Panelist
Hon. Muktar Shagaya
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education
Panelist
Joy Akut
Special Adviser on Women and Youth Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria
Session Moderator
Kemela Okara
Former Secretary to Government, Bayelsa State; Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, University of Africa
Panelist
Mr. Udeme Ufot
Chairman, Policy Innovation Centre (PIC)
Welcome Speech
Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf
Chairman, NESG
Opening Speech
Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu
Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre
Introduction to PIC/GS 2026
Prof. Michael Kunnuji
Director, PIC Institute
Moderator
Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI)
Panelist
Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba
Vice-Chancellor-Designate, University of Ibadan (UI)
Panelist
Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele
Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Panelist
Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ementa Ichoku
Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University Abuja
Panelist
Prof. Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi
Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos
Panelist
Prof. Jide Oladipopo
Head of Department, Economics, and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria
Panelist
Dr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Jacinta Nwosu
Director, Directorate of Students, National Universities Commission (NUC)
Panelist
Prof. Funmilola Ajani
Director, Gender Mainstreaming Office, University of Ibadan
Panelist
Dr. Maryam Liman
Deputy Director, Training, Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Panelist
Prof. J.A. Agbonika
Dean, Faculty of Law, VERITAS University
Panelist
Mr. Michael Ilesanmi
Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank
Moderator
Dr. Yetunde Fatogun
Social Development Specialist, World Bank, Africa West Region; Co-Task Team Leader, Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU)
Panelist
Dr. Megor Ikuenobe
ECD Consultant, World Bank
Moderator
Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado
Team Leader, Early Childhood Development, World Bank
Moderator
Abigail Perry
Lead Health Specialist, World Bank
Panelist
Takudzwa Kanyangarara
Gender and Development Manager, UNICEF Nigeria
Panelist
Oladeji Adeyemi
Education Sector, UNESCO
Panelist
Ibironke Favour Olubamise
National Coordinator, GEF Small Grants Programme, United Nations Development Programme
Panelist
Sheila Ojei
Director of Philanthropy and Business Development, Plan International
Panelist
Nancy Jallow
Founder and Director, Global Bridges, Gambia
Panelist
Dr. Adedotun Esan
Founder, Mental Health with Ditty Foundation
Panelist
Abdulazeez Musa
Country Director - Nigeria, CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Panelist
Madam Lois Auta
Founder/Executive Director, Network of Women with Disabilities
Panelist
Abosede George-Ogan
Founder, Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN Global)
Panelist
Ekemini Akpakpan
Executive Secretary, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR)
Panelist
Hauwa Haliru-Hassan
CEO, Nigeria Governors' Spouses' Forum Secretariat (NGSF)
Panelist
Omowunmi Akingbophungbe
Executive Director, Women in Management, Business & Public Service (WIMBIZ)
Panelist
Hassana Shuaibu (PhD)
Senior Programme Officer, ACE Charity
Panelist
Toyin Chukwudozie
Executive Director, Education as a Vaccine
Panelist
Habiba Mohammed
Team Leader, Centre for Girls Education
Panelist
Chioma Agwuegbo
Executive Director, TechHer NG
Panelist
Boye Adegoke
Principal – Africa, Luminate
Forum Chair
Dr. Olushola Odusanya
Director General, National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM)
Panelist
Toyosi Akerele
Founder, RISE Networks
Panelist
Akintunde Babatunde
Executive Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
Panelist
Linda D. Dogbe
Founder, Qavaa Innovate, United States
Panelist
Ileola Maroufatou Falola
Deputy Mayor, Ifonyin Municipality, Bénin Republic
Panelist
Coach Samuel Obafemi
Chief Executive Officer, Cerca Africa Mental Health
Panelist
Gbenga Oyeniyi
CEO, King's Men Network
Panelist
Rotimi Olawale
Executive Director, Youthhub Africa
Panelist
Boladale Akin-Kolapo
Country Director, Girl Effect Nigeria
Panelist
Leno Hunohashi
Senior Child Protection Technical Advisor, Save the Children
Panelist
Murjanatu Kabir
Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Manager, Save the Children
Panelist
Jane Mbagi Mutua
Deputy Country Director / Director, Programme Impact and Influencing, Save the Children
Moderator
Hellen William
Senior Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion Technical Advisor, Save the Children
Moderator
Dr. Olukayode Ashaolu
Founder and CEO, Ruach Business Consortia Ltd
Panelist
Chidinma Lawanson
Founder, Springtyde & Renee Limited
Panelist
Dr. Kabiru Atta
Country Representative, EngenderHealth Nigeria
Panelist
Folahan Johnson
Founder, Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)
Moderator
Daniel Oseaga Ikuenobe
Partner, Africa Ecosystem | Praxis
Panelist
Comfort Booth
Convener, One-Dialogue on Menopause
Moderator
Dr. Olufumbi Makinde
Women's Health Provider
Panelist
Bimbo Akintola
Women's Health Advocate
Panelist
Surayyah Ahmad
Founding/Managing Partner, Sabou Capital
Panelist
Solape Akinpelu
Founder/CEO, HerVest
Panelist
Ayodeji Balogun
CEO, AFEX Commodities Exchange
Panelist
Aisha Hadejia
Partner, Sahel Consulting
Panelist
Vera Ebhoho
Head, Agribusiness Development and Strategy, Corporate & Investment Banking, Sterling Bank
Panelist
Olubunmi Kole-Dawodu
Deputy Director, Strategic Partnership, SMEDAN
Panelist
Tracy Okoro Isaac
Partner, DigitA
Moderator
Dr. Paul Alaje
Chief Economist, SPM Professionals
Panelist
Kayode Akintemi
Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, News Central Television
Moderator
Dr. Babatunde Sanni
CEO, HealthSolve Global
Panelist
Oludare Bodunrin
Health Systems Expert
Panelist
Ufuoma Festus Omo-Obi
MD/CEO, WCA Health Options Ltd/Gte
Panelist
Yinka Babalola
Country Director, International Budget Partnership (IBP)
Panelist
Dr. Omokhudu Idogho
Group Chief Executive Officer, Society for Family Health Group
Panelist
Mrs. Fifi Oluwatoyin Ogbondeminu
Global Project Director, A360
Panelist
Dolapo Alayaki
Gender Consultant, Albright Stonebridge Group (DGA-ASG)
Moderator
Rinmicit Temlong
Gender Lead, Albright Stonebridge Group (DGA-ASG/ASG)
Moderator
Jonathan Eigege
Managing Director, Albright Stonebridge Group (DGA-ASG)
Moderator
Aminat Sanni
Lawyer, Policy and Advocacy Officer, PIC
Panelist
Mercy Ewea Egwakhide
Behavioural Economist, PIC
Panelist
Jonathan Godwin
Grant Analyst, PIC
Panelist
Adanna Omeye
Research Economist, PIC
Moderator
Prince Dirisu
Product Designer, PIC
Moderator
Jane Ohioghame
Partnerships and Resource Development Manager, PIC
Moderator
Mayowa Akiode
People and Culture Lead, PIC
Panelist
Yejide Bayode
People and Culture Officer, PIC
Moderator
Benyin Adah Akande
Postdoctoral Fellow II, PIC
Moderator
Hanifa BabaSadiq
Strategic Communications Advisor, PIC
Moderator
Femi Obidare
Policy Lead, PIC
Moderator
Emmanuel Nwala
Associate Director of Research, PIC
Presenter
Adekemi Omole
Gender Expert and Associate Director, Programmes, PIC
Panelist
Dr. Somawina Nwegbu
Senior Advocacy Lead, Policy Innovation Centre
Moderator
Mrs. Zainab Isah Arah
Extended Committee Chairperson, Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON)
Panelist
Michael Ekpo
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
Panelist
Engr. Usman Yakubu
Program Lead, National Talent Export Programme
Panelist
Kehinde Odusote-Fagbule
Strategy and Business Development Lead, TechCabal Insights
Panelist
Ms. Comfort Umaru
Research Fellow, National Judicial Institute
Panelist
Dr. Waheeda Mukhtar Ibrahim
Gender Consultant with NFWP-SU, Katsina State
Presenter
Dr. Hadiza Maina
National Coordinator, Nigeria for Women Program (NFWP)
Panelist
Sybil Chidiac
Senior Program Officer, Economic Opportunity Africa, Gates Foundation
Panelist
Aishatu Musa Sheikh
State Project Coordinator, NFWP-SU, Borno State; Former Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Education
Panelist
Rayandy Kim Chuwang
Head of Operations, Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), Plateau State
Moderator
Chinelo Ameachina
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Manager
Panelist
Khadijat Tijjani
Girls Get Equal Champion
Moderator
Pamela Akinboboye
Managing Director & Founder, Icarella Childcare Services Ltd and NECCS Initiative
Panelist
Comfort Andrew
Governess / Home-Based Carer, The Nanny Academy - Lagos
Panelist
Sylvia Jeremiahl Ishaleku
Community Health Worker, Assakio Ward, Nasarawa State
Panelist
Dr. Chinekwu Oreh
Head of Health, Nigeria Governors Forum Secretariat, Abuja
Panelist
Dr. Laila Umar
Senior Programme Officer, Child Health, Gates Foundation, Abuja
Panelist
Dr. Ifunanya Ilodibe
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Medical Officer, EHA Clinics, Abuja
Panelist
Eniola Mafe-Abaga
Global Advocacy and Partnerships Director, Fika
Panelist
Susan Adeyemi
Synthesis Presenter
Panelist
Aliyu Sani
Subcomponent Lead, Digital Literacy Kaduna AGILE Project
Panelist
Mohammed Yusuf
Education Secretary, Sabon Gari Local Government Area
Panelist
Fatima Kudu
EmpowerHer Education Project Coordinator
Panelist
Hadizah Abdullahi
Pathways to Scale Project Coordinator
Moderator
Dr. Nike Olajide
Federal Ministry of Health - Department of Family Health
Panelist
Shadrach Saddih
Assistant Director, Tax Policy Advisory Group, Nigeria Revenue Service
Panelist
Maryam Danburam
Partnership Manager, Nigeria, Malala Fund
Moderator
Stanley Achonu
Senior Director, Nigeria, Malala Fund
Moderator
Dr. Omotayo A. Giwa
Programme Officer, New Vaccines Introduction and Learning, Gates Foundation
Forum Chair
Mr. Kayode Okikiolu
Supervising Anchor, Channels TV
Remarks
Dangiwa Orume
Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Environment
Judge, Pitchathon
Daniel Oderinde
Program Manager, TechnoServe
Judge, Pitchathon
Ikeh Titus Adakole
Founder & CEO, Open Space Financial Services Ltd.
Judge, Pitchathon
Rex Egwuda
Team Representative, Upcycleers
Panelist
Kehinde Charity Awujoola
SSA, Minister of Youth on Gender Matters
Panelist
Nkpoikana-Abasi Aniefok
MERL Officer, YouthHub Africa
Panelist
Dr. Emily Ikhide, PhD
Research Fellow/Head, Gender and Inclusive Unit, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, National Assembly, Abuja
Panelist
Pelemo Njayo
Global Young Influencer, Plan International
Panelist
Lucy Abeng
Founder, Mental Health for Youth Initiative;
Panelist
Uzorchukwuka Ojieh
Legal Assistant, Policy Innovation Centre
Panelist
Mark Bwefuk
Project Intern, Policy Innovation Centre
Panelist
