The S.H.E Project, an impactful initiative championed by the Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA) within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos, is dedicated to empowering young women. Focusing on education, mentorship, and community engagement, the project aims to foster leadership, personal development, and significant social impact. The inaugural edition of this transformative project successfully integrated two core components: the S.H.E Conference and the S.H.E Outreach, both meticulously designed to inspire, equip, and empower women and girls across diverse life stages.

The S.H.E Conference, held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, garnered substantial interest, recording 859 registrations and welcoming 520 attendees. This vibrant gathering brought together a diverse audience including young women, young men, students, professionals, and community members, all keen on engaging in dialogues around empowerment, leadership, and personal growth. The conference was skillfully hosted by Akomolafe Deborah and Banjo Kayode Michael. The program commenced with an inspiring opening address by Morenikeji Omaiboje, followed by a powerful keynote address delivered by Funto Ibuoye, which deeply resonated with attendees and laid a strong foundation for discussions on women’s empowerment and leadership.

A rich lineup of speakers engaged the audience across three distinct panels. The Older Generation Panel, moderated by Pereira Adaun, featured Funto Ibuoye, Osarume Akenzuwa, and Dr. Gbenusola Akinwale, who shared invaluable experiences on navigating challenges, career building, and making lasting impacts. The Younger Generation Panel, moderated by Wuraola Oyebola, included Amanda Dara, Kaosarat Aduagba, Oyindamola Fadare (Most Beautiful Girl in Lagos State 2025), and Moyosola Olowokure, offering fresh perspectives on balancing ambition with purpose. The Student Panel, comprising Moyosore Abisuga (36th LASU Vice President), Idarabasi Oludemi (First Faculty President of Architecture, UNILAG), and John Unachukwu (President of NESA, UNILAG Chapter), provided relatable advice for young women in academia and personal development.

Beyond the panels, specialized sessions further enriched the conference experience. Debbo Africa, through Dr. Sharon Akinola, facilitated a comprehensive health and wellness session, offering free HIV testing and discounted health packages. Face of Liberty International, with Leonard A. Ogunweide, delivered an empowering session on leadership development, motivating attendees to realize their full potential. The success of the conference was significantly supported by W Community and Access Bank as Headline Sponsors, with BellaNaija and The Press Club UNILAG serving as media partners. Additional contributions came from CWAY, Iya Moria Canteen, Cadbury, Keystone Bank, and student brand sponsors including Boyin Scents, Girls You’ve Got It (GYGI Africa), Wekoya, Tosar Treats, 19th_stitches, and Adedot.

Complementing the conference, The S.H.E. Outreach Program took place on Friday, February 7th, 2026, at both the Correctional Center for Girls and Special Correctional Center for Girls in Idi Araba, Lagos. This vital component extended the project’s empowering spirit to 105 marginalized young girls, providing them with material support, encouragement, and a message of hope and potential. Speakers such as Karina Ololo (CEO, Pull Her Network), Esther Olalere (Pad Bank), and Nancy Duffour (Needy Relief Africa) delivered motivational talks, fostering a safe space for the girls to envision brighter futures. The outreach was made possible by Pad Bank, which provided essential sanitary pads, Needy Relief Africa, which donated books and toiletries, and media partners Stand to End Rape (STER) and Wetech. Monetary donations to the S.H.E. Fund also supplied food and toiletry items, meeting basic needs tangibly.

The inaugural S.H.E. Project’s resounding success is attributed to numerous contributors. Profound appreciation is extended to the Faculty of Social Sciences Management, the SOSSA Executive Team (The Imperium), all sponsors, partners, speakers, dedicated volunteers, and individual donors. Special recognition is given to the exceptional S.H.E. Project Team, whose dedication brought this vision to life. Aboyeji Favour Abimbola, the Pioneer and First Female (58th) President of the Faculty of Social Sciences, provided visionary leadership. Adetona Adeboyin Oreoluwa served as the Project Manager, ensuring seamless execution. Kola-Kareem Abiola led the Conference team, while Egbedun Esther Oluwasolape and Oyeniran Oyepeju Semilore headed the Outreach component. Elufidipe Ayomide Wuraola and Adebiyi Nofisat Omotayo managed administrative operations. The Sponsorship and Finance team, led by Adeyemi Enitan Olatokunbo and Lawal Kafayat Oluwatosin, secured vital resources. Chiamaka Immaculata Chima and Oginni Precious Tolulope expertly curated speakers, while Adegbamigbe Mercy Adefisayo and Okafor Mmesomachukwu ensured participant welfare. Awodiji Oluwadamilola Ayomide managed logistics, and Nwosah Angel and Oghenetejiro Atagana orchestrated memorable events. Mohamed Adijat Idey and Jadesimi Halimat oversaw protocol, and Akinyemi Maryam Temitope and Akeju Peace handled publicity. The project exemplified the spirit of