They made the call at the unveiling of the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation and a book launch titled ‘Isoken’ on Thursday in Lagos.

Isoken Patricia Nwabunka, a visionary leader and social entrepreneur, is the Founder of the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation.

Mr Soni Irabor, seasoned broadcaster and Chairman of, Advisory Board Isoken Nwabunka Foundation, said women needed to be equipped with knowledge and skills for financial enablement and economic growth.

Irabor described the foundation as a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young girls and women between the ages of 12 and 21.

He said the foundation would enable them to overcome the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood and nurture their potential to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“Our objective is to create a supportive socio-economic structure, an organised community, where life skills, entrepreneurial principles, and resilience are instilled in these young women.

“The Isoken Foundation project, inspired by the autobiography of Mrs Isoken Nwabunka, aims to provide a platform where young girls and women can receive guidance and support to navigate the trials of life and emerge as accomplished individuals.

“We believe in equipping them with the necessary tools to develop essential life skills, embrace entrepreneurial principles, and build the resilience necessary to thrive in the face of life’s challenges,” Irabor said.

He said that the foundation would establish Isoken Community Clubs in senior secondary schools and universities across the country.

“These clubs will provide our young members with a world-class club experience, motivating them to stay focused on their academic pursuits, develop plans for their future, and cultivate exemplary character and entrepreneurship attributes.

“Additionally, every club member will receive a complimentary copy of the book, Isoken, as a source of inspiration and motivation,” Irabor said.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs Delphine, Misan-Arenyeka, the Managing Director, Grooming Microfinance Bank, said in a country where gender equality is still a struggle, we must recognise the immense value and potential of girls and women.

Misan-Arenyeka said that the female gender empower individuals and advance the nation.

“We can create a future where every Nigerian girl and woman can thrive, contribute, and lead by removing social barriers, promoting education and skills, and promoting inclusivity and support.

“Empowering young girls and women is not only a matter of justice and equality, but it is also the key to unlocking our nation’s limitless potential.

“We honour the visionaries and change-makers who work to improve the lives of young girls and women in Nigeria by recognising the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation and the book “Isoken.”

“Through its unwavering dedication, the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation has become a beacon of hope, offering education, mentorship, and empowerment.

“Isoken,” a story of resilience and human triumph, shows the transformative power of empowering young girls and women.

The Isoken Nwabunka Foundation and its stories can inspire, motivate, and instill a sense of possibility in every Nigerian girl and woman, creating a ripple effect that will shape a brighter future for generations to come,” Misan-Arenyeka said.

According to her, the foundation believes that life skills and personal qualities empower young Nigerian girls and women.

She said that the foundation emphasised critical thinking, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills over academic knowledge.

Nwabunka, the founder of the foundation, said her unwavering commitment to empowering young girls and women stem from a life journey that exemplifies wisdom, courage, and faith, defying all odds.

The book ‘Isoken’ is an autobiography, where the protagonist and narrator, Isoken Nwabunka, undergoes a transformative journey from a rough childhood in Benin to become the executive director of a top microfinance institution in Nigeria.

The event was graced by people from all walks of life.