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Tag: Funmi Ogidan

  • British-Nigerian filmmaker Funmi Ogidan empowers over 200 women, girls in Akungba-Akoko

    British-Nigerian filmmaker Funmi Ogidan empowers over 200 women, girls in Akungba-Akoko

    British-Nigerian filmmaker, tech consultant, and social advocate, Funmi Ogidan, popularly known as Ogidan’Birin, has empowered over 200 women and teenage girls across eight quarters in Akungba-Akoko through her Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network (WADEN).

    The initiative, themed “Empower One. Transform Generations,” reached beneficiaries in Ibaka, Akua, Ilale, Igbelu, Okusa, Akunmi, Okeke, and Araromi. It focused on building resilience, fostering self-reliance, and providing tools for personal and economic transformation.

    Speaking at the event, Ogidan’Birin emphasised WADEN’s mission to support widows and teenage girls through mentorship, vocational training, and the provision of start-up kits to launch small businesses and restore financial independence.

    Funmi Ogidan

    “When you empower a woman, you empower an entire community,” she said. “Akungba is home, and it was only fitting that this year’s celebration included giving back to the very people who shape its strength.”

    Community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth representatives commended the initiative, describing it as life-changing for many families in the area.

    The WADEN outreach was a major highlight of this year’s Akungba Day celebrations, reinforcing the impact of purpose-driven events that blend culture with compassion.

  • Why Funmi Ogidan is passionate about new initiative

    Why Funmi Ogidan is passionate about new initiative

    Celebrated British-Nigerian filmmaker, tech consultant, and social advocate Funmi Ogidan is set to unveil a major empowerment initiative, WADEN – Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network.

    The launch of the new initiative has been set to take place during the Akungba Day celebration on July 29, 2025.

    Those close to Ogidan’Birin, as Funmi is fondly called, shared that she is so passionate about the initiative which will take place in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, during the community’s annual cultural festival, which celebrates heritage, unity, and progress.

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    Tagging it as a full cycle moment for her, the symbolic and strategic moment aligns with Ogidan’Birin’s mission to merge tradition with transformation.

    The new initiative, WADEN, is a grassroots initiative focused on uplifting widows and teenage girls through economic empowerment, mentorship, menstrual hygiene advocacy, and access to education. The programme’s vision is to foster a more inclusive and equitable society where no woman or girl is left behind.

    According to organisers, the event will feature cultural performances, a formal unveiling of programmes, and engagement sessions with community stakeholders. Ogidan’Birin, who also recently gained global acclaim for her epic film, ‘Adunni Ogidan’Birin,’ continues to champion the cause of African women through her art, advocacy, and leadership in technology.