Mrs. Ginika-Tor Williams, the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has been honoured with the prestigious “Most Outstanding Personality of the Year 2025” award at the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA), held in Abuja.
The awards, organised by Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN), aim to celebrate exceptional women for their roles in peace-building and national development across the continent.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the ceremony, Ginika-Tor Williams expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to justice and human rights.
“Being the iconic personality of the year reminds me that there is more work to be done,” she said.
“You do things and you never know that people would be watching. It goes a long way to tell me that I have to continue to be the best in everything I do, to try to project the system in a positive light, and to try to remain steadfast in what I believe in.”
Quoting the national anthem, she added: “Just like our national anthem seeks to achieve, may the God of creation help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria might be blessed.”
Ginika-Tor described the recognition as a call to greater service.
“It is a thing of joy for me to have been on the path of positivity for the advancement of Africa and Nigeria and today I am being honoured as the iconic personality of the year. It goes a long way to say that it is time for me to begin to do more because it is not enough. It is often said that to whom much is given, much is expected,” she said.
She also used the opportunity to encourage Nigerian women to support one another instead of competing.
“It does not really matter what you are going through because everyone is striving, but you’ve got to show the society the real you. You’ve got to give to society what you’ve got,” she added.
Other notable awardees at the AIWRA event included Mrs. Rabia Usoro, CEO of Hareem Istanbul and co-founder of We Make Magic Studios. Usoro, who was also recognised for her contributions to women’s empowerment, said, “I have dedicated my life to empowering women. So, I try to be a role model for them.”
Among other honourees was Huriyya Dauda Lawal, wife of the Zamfara State Governor, who was celebrated for her outstanding leadership and advocacy over the past two years.
The 2024 edition of the AIWRA saw the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, clinch the top award after a landslide vote against four other first ladies. The event also recognised other prominent African first ladies including Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and Madam Claudine Talon of Benin Republic.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central and Hon. Boma Goodhead of the Akuku/Asari Toru constituency in Rivers State were also among those shortlisted for recognition in the 2024 edition.
The AIWRA continues to serve as a platform to spotlight the achievements of women making meaningful contributions to Africa’s development.
