WANEP Nigeria Celebrates Osakwe’s Birthday Retirement, Names Obaulo New Coordinator.

WANEP Nigeria Celebrates Osakwe’s Birthday Retirement, Names Obaulo New Coordinator.

It was a joyous atmosphere of double celebration as the West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP) Nigeria marked the retirement and birthday of its outgoing leader, Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe, while officially ushering in Mrs. Patience Ikpeh Obaulo as the new National Network Coordinator (NNC).

The memorable event brought together distinguished peace builders, regional leaders, and public figures who joined in honoring Dr. Osakwe’s dual milestone celebrating years of impactful service as she added another year to her life, while passing the leadership torch to her successor.

Tributes Pour In for a “Quintessential Peace builder”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of WANEP Regional, Levinia Addae Mensah, extolled Dr. Osakwe’s exemplary leadership, describing her as a quintessential peace builder and an expert in conflict resolution and management.

“Dr. Bridget brought in numerous innovations that significantly enhanced the implementation of WANEP’s mandate, elevating WANEP Nigeria to enviable heights,” Addae Mensah remarked.

Former Executive Director of WANEP Regional, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, reflected on the significance of the occasion, noting that retirement opens a fulfilling new chapter:

“Retirement gives one the unique opportunity to decide precisely how to deploy one’s wealth of experience moving forward.”

Adding a warm personal touch, the WANEP South South Regional Coordinator, Bridget Affiah, congratulated Dr. Osakwe on her birthday and retirement, highlighting that she now has well deserved time to spend with family and loved ones.

High profile political leadership was also present to pay tribute. Rt. Hon. Peter Akpatason, Member of the Federal House of Representatives, praised Dr. Osakwe for her stellar contributions both personally and professionally, characterizing her as an exceptional organizer and coordinator.

Passing the Torch: Setting Enduring Standards

Taking over the leadership mantle, the newly appointed National Network Coordinator, Mrs. Patience Ikpeh Obaulo, expressed deep gratitude and admiration for her predecessor, describing Dr. Osakwe as a highly competent, down to earth leader and an intergenerational peace advocate.

“Dr. Osakwe has set an enduring standard at WANEP Nigeria. She is an intergenerational peace builder, and I know she will always be there for us as a guiding light,” Mrs. Ikpeh Obaulo stated, pouring encomiums on Dr. Osakwe and pledging to build upon the strong foundation laid before her.

A Heartfelt Farewell and Thanksgiving

In her response, Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of a new age and thanked the staff, partners, and stakeholders of WANEP Nigeria for their unwavering support throughout her tenure. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the unity of the organization, noting that every challenge was overcome together “as a family.”

Dr. Osakwe expressed absolute confidence in her successor, stating that Mrs. Patience Ikpeh Obaulo is fully equipped with the competence, vision, and drive needed to pilot the affairs of WANEP Nigeria to even greater heights.

About WANEP

The West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP) is a leading regional peace building organization operating across West Africa, dedicated to conflict prevention, peace education, and empowering communities to foster sustainable peace.