COMIND Honours Ambassador Gift Blessed Ugwu for Community Development in Africa

Ambassador Dr. Gift Blessed Ugwu has expressed gratitude after being honoured by the Concerned Mothers of Niger Delta (COMIND), describing the recognition as both a great honour and a renewed motivation to continue advancing peace, human rights, women’s empowerment, and sustainable community development across Africa.

The award, presented on December 6, 2024, recognises her active participation and steadfast commitment to the mission of COMIND, an organisation known for promoting women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and social justice.

Speaking after receiving the recognition, Ambassador Ugwu said the honour would inspire her to strengthen her efforts in supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for the rights of women and children.

Over the years, she has collaborated closely with COMIND on several initiatives focused on empowering women through advocacy, education, and economic inclusion. She has also participated in sensitisation campaigns and community development programmes across several African countries, helping to raise awareness on women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership development, gender-based violence prevention, and community participation.

One of COMIND’s flagship initiatives has been creating international business opportunities for African women entrepreneurs. Through business development trips to China, the organisation exposes participants to global markets, manufacturing networks, and international trade opportunities aimed at boosting economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

Beyond her work with COMIND, Ambassador Ugwu serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Special Envoy, West Africa, of the International Human Rights Protection Services (IHRPS). Before assuming the position, she served as Director of Peace and Conflict Resolution, where she led several interventions focused on promoting peace, protecting vulnerable persons, and resolving conflicts through dialogue and mediation.

Her work within IHRPS has included handling cases involving domestic violence, child protection, child development, family disputes, and other humanitarian concerns. According to the organisation, her interventions have consistently prioritised justice, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Reacting to the honour, Ambassador Ugwu thanked the Governing Board and leadership of COMIND for recognising her contributions.

> “This award is not only a recognition of my contributions but also a reminder that service to humanity remains one of life’s greatest responsibilities. I sincerely thank the Governing Body of the Concerned Mothers of Niger Delta (COMIND) for finding me worthy of this honour and for their unwavering commitment to empowering women and transforming communities across Africa,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the International Human Rights Protection Services for entrusting her with key responsibilities and providing the institutional support that has enabled her to contribute to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and human rights protection.

Ambassador Ugwu reaffirmed her commitment to working with governments, civil society organisations, and international partners to promote gender equality, strengthen community resilience, protect human rights, and drive sustainable development across Africa.

The recognition by COMIND marks another milestone in her humanitarian and human rights career, highlighting her continued contributions to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, and community development across the continent.