The President of the Women Mentorship Forum (WMF), Ebosetale Okhueleigbe, has been celebrated for her outstanding contributions to leadership and community development on the continent. She was honoured with two prestigious awards at the African Star Gala 2025, an event organised by Global Unity Women International.
A Night of Recognition in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The gala ceremony took place on 29 December 2025 at the Hotel Le Ruisseau in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event brought together distinguished individuals from various African nations to acknowledge their work in leadership, social development, and community engagement.
Okhueleigbe was named a recipient of both the Leadership and Humanitarian Excellence award and the Educational Impact and Mentorship award in the female category. The organisers specifically highlighted her dedicated work in mentoring women and youth, alongside her active involvement in education and humanitarian projects.
An Honour Dedicated to Women and Mentees
In her acceptance speech, Okhueleigbe framed the recognition not as a personal triumph, but as a reflection of years of collective effort in mentorship and advocacy. "I am grateful to the organisers for this recognition. It is a reaffirmation of my lifelong commitment to empowering women and young people across Africa," she stated.
She pointedly dedicated the awards to the members of the Women Mentorship Forum and the beneficiaries of its programmes, whose experiences continually inform the organisation's work. "This honour belongs to the women, girls and mentees whose stories and resilience inspire everything we do," Okhueleigbe emphasised.
Mentorship as a Pillar for Sustainable Development
The WMF President used the platform to articulate her core belief in the transformative power of guidance. She described mentorship as a critical instrument for building confident and purpose-driven leaders.
"Mentorship helps to shape resilient and purpose-driven leaders. Investing in education and guidance for women and girls is essential if we are serious about long-term development," she argued.
She further called for enhanced collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to broaden access to education, skills development, and leadership opportunities, especially in marginalised communities.
Okhueleigbe, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from a U.S. university and a master's in Gender Studies, confirmed that the WMF would continue to expand its programmes in mentorship, advocacy, and community outreach. The organisation remains steadfast in its focus on inclusion, gender equity, and measurable social impact.
"The recognition is a motivation to do more. It strengthens my resolve to scale up our work and contribute more meaningfully to community development," she concluded, viewing the award as an impetus to launch further structured mentorship and leadership initiatives for African women and youth.
