Glitz, glamour, and a strong sense of patriotism were center stage on Tuesday night, as Green Wine Green, GWG, hosted an end-of-year gala dinner, put together by ElectHER in conjunction with the European Union, in Lagos. 

The event, themed ‘We are Nigeria’, which was graced by dozens of business leaders, corporate giants, politicians, A-list celebrities and entertainers, including ace comedian, Ayo Makun; Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; entrepreneur and executive coach, Chioma Ikokwu aka Chioma Goodhair and many more, featured series of pop and cultural performances. 

Speaking at the event, Ibijoke Faborode, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, ElectHER, said the night was inspired by the need to deploy a fusion of entertainment, fashion and style in urging citizens to be prepared to exercise their political franchise in the coming general elections. 

She said: “It is not business as usual; we have an election to run. There is just a whole lot not going on well in Nigeria. For us at ElectHER, a non-partisan women’s political advancement group, we want to ensure a people-led movement that ensures people actually take ownership of the process. 

“Currently, over two million Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, are yet to be collected in Lagos State alone. The second phase of collection is ongoing and we are using this medium to urge everyone to pick up their voter cards, be part of the electoral process and elect credible candidates, including women, for a better government. 

Describing Faborode’s dream as valid and urging her to continue in her quest for more women in government, Chairman, Platform Capital cum Patron, ElectHER, Akintoye Akindele, said leadership is a function based on ability and not sex.