From: Edirin Robinson in Kaduna
The Women Radio Network (WRN) has held the inaugural meeting of its Kaduna State chapter, bringing together women across diverse professions to foster grassroots connections, business growth, and boost media visibility.
Hosted at the Zamani Foundation premises in Kaduna, the gathering drew participants from different sectors, including teachers, journalists, caterers, crocheters, and entrepreneurs.
The goal was to bridge the gap for women at the grassroots level by equipping them with life-changing opportunities to improve lives, support businesses, and amplify their voices.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation and Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, emphasized that the network which operates across all 36 states of Nigeria is dedicated to uniting and uplifting Nigerian women regardless of their status or careers.
While noting that Women Radio 91.7 which is Sub-Saharan Africa’s first female-oriented radio station, transmits terrestrially to Lagos and Ogun states, Okewale Sonaiya explained that the WRN allows women nationwide to engage via the station’s mobile app and contribute local, female centric stories to its broadcast content.
She expressed gratitude to Zamani Foundation for hosting the meeting and formally partnering with the Kaduna network.
Speaking on upcoming plans for economic inclusion, the Executive director revealed efforts to collaborate with the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPRA) to position local female entrepreneurs to successfully bid for government contracts and procurement opportunities.
“Women need to also become big players when it comes to business, not just be beneficiaries.
“Collaboration is the new currency. We will argue, we will disagree, but we must put those behind us, complement ourselves, and work together to ensure that we excel,” she charged participants, urging them to set aside personal differences and embrace teamwork.
Toun also announced upcoming regional engagements, including Haduwar Matan Arewa, a major gathering of northern women scheduled to hold in Maiduguri on December 12, alongside plans for dedicated initiatives for Kaduna women and an end-of-year networking event by the state branch to set the stage for a stronger 2027.
Welcoming the partnership, the Executive Director of the Zamani Foundation, Talatu Zamani, expressed enthusiasm over hosting the gathering and collaborating with Women Radio to advance female empowerment in the region.
“Having women come here today, I’m really excited about this, especially with the collaboration with Women Radio.
We look forward to bigger things. We look forward to having more women that are empowered, more women who own their space, and more women whose voices will be out there,” she hoped.
In her remarks, the Kaduna State Coordinator for WRN, Blessing Yakubu, described the inaugural session as a milestone that has provided clear direction for the chapter’s activities.
She thanked the Zamani Foundation for providing the space and commended the dedication of the local members, several of whom volunteered to moderate and cater the event.
Speaking on next steps, Yakubu noted that the Kaduna chapter is gearing up to host special programs before the end of the year, expressing confidence that 2027 will usher in expanded growth, visibility, and impact for women across the state.
