By Ijeoma Umeh
The auditorium of the LAPO Institute, an arm of the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) ecosystem, was packed full with guests, most of whom, since 12 years of the inception of the LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award(LOWLA) have watched as the development organization rewarded women who had excelled in various spheres of human endeavor.
To make it a double celebration for women, the organization chose the occasion of the International Women’s Day to celebrate the 2024 Edition of LOWLA, 12th in the series. The organization committed #1.3m in rewarding this year’s awardees.
In his keynote address, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Chief Executive Officer of LAPO stated that financial empowerment was not only part of LAPO’s policies to celebrate women who have excelled in their chosen careers but also women who have contributed significantly to societal growth.
For years, the occasion had stood out as a veritable platform to acknowledge the efforts made by women in their various milieus of influence, especially in professional, business and farming categories. A lifetime achievement award was also given at the LOWLA 2024 Edition.
LAPO is committed to the social, health and economic empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in the society and for more than two decades the organization has been in the forefront of bringing gender issues to wider attention, recognizing and promoting women’s contribution to the development of the society, working with government, state institutions and other organizations which share similar interests with the organization.