BY Hassan Husain
The Founder of the Women of Divine Destiny Initiative, Zanaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, has called on media organisations to partner with the group in promoting programmes aimed at empowering women, youths and vulnerable persons across Africa.
Mrs. Okorocha made the call during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 WODDI Women Inspiring Summit scheduled for Saturday, 16 May.
She stressed that the media remained critical to helping the organisation achieve its vision of restoring hope to disadvantaged persons.
“For us to drive home our vision and achieve what we want, especially in affecting lives and giving hope to those who have forgotten how to smile, we need the partnership and help of the media, because the role you play is very key and important.” — Zanaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha
The WODDI founder explained that the organisation, which has existed for about 17 years, focuses on women, youths, widows, vulnerable persons and people living with disabilities.
She noted that WODDI runs several programmes, including monthly prayer meetings known as “Wounded Testimonies”, youth mentorship initiatives tagged “Talk That Talk”, and the YES Programme — meaning “Young, Empowered and Strong” — designed for teenagers and students.
Mrs. Okorocha also highlighted the organisation’s skills acquisition and empowerment programmes in tailoring, catering and cosmetology.
She disclosed that during her tenure as First Lady of Imo State, three skill acquisition centres were established and nearly 100,000 persons were trained in various vocations.
Speaking on the forthcoming summit, she said the fourth edition would focus on the theme “PUSH – Position Until Something Happens.”
According to her, the summit aims to encourage women to remain determined and purposeful despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
She announced that the Governor of Abia State is expected to flag off the event, with African ambassadors and other dignitaries also expected to attend.
Mrs. Okorocha further revealed that a major highlight of the summit would be the launch of the WODDI Institute App, an online learning and empowerment platform for women across Africa.
“We want to ensure that no woman is left out. Whether educated or not, every woman can learn at her own pace and in a language convenient for her,” she stated.
The founder said the platform would provide mentorship, skills training and empowerment opportunities for women across different African countries.
On the organisation’s impact, Mrs. Okorocha disclosed that WODDI had positively affected over 3,000 persons in the last seven years through various empowerment initiatives. She added that the organisation currently operates in about 25 African countries through country representatives and coordinators.
Mrs. Okorocha appealed to Nigerians and other Africans to support the organisation in changing societal narratives through programmes that promote hope, empowerment and self-reliance.
