Ogidan’Birin to Launch WADEN Empowerment Initiative at Akungba Day 2025
Celebrated British-Nigerian filmmaker, tech consultant, and social impact advocate Funmi Ogidan, widely known as Ogidan’Birin, is set to unveil a landmark initiative — WADEN (Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network) — during Akungba Day 2025, scheduled for July 29 in her ancestral hometown of Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.
Held annually, Akungba Day celebrates the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and unity of the Akoko people. This year’s celebration will serve as the launchpad for WADEN, a powerful community-based platform dedicated to empowering widows and teenage girls across Nigeria, beginning at the grassroots.
“This is more than an initiative; it’s a movement for dignity, empowerment, and legacy,” said Ogidan’Birin. “Launching WADEN in Akungba—my ancestral roots—is a full-circle moment.”
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What is WADEN?
WADEN (Widows and Daughters Empowerment Network) is a visionary empowerment hub designed to tackle generational poverty, gender inequality, and educational marginalization among vulnerable women and girls. The initiative blends cultural identity with modern empowerment tools, positioning itself as a lifeline for underserved communities.
The flagship programs include:
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Skills training and micro-grants for widows to launch small businesses
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Menstrual hygiene education and distribution of reusable sanitary pads
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Mentorship and scholarship support for young girls
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Cultural storytelling, legal rights awareness, and advocacy
Branded visuals and promotional materials ahead of the launch depict strong imagery: women in traditional Yoruba attire standing tall, accompanied by the silhouetted image of a woman and child—representing resilience, heritage, and generational support.
A Cultural and Strategic Launch
The July 29 unveiling will feature cultural performances, a formal presentation of WADEN’s objectives, and engagement with traditional leaders, women leaders, and development stakeholders. Organizers believe launching the network in Akungba during a community celebration ties tradition with transformation, giving the initiative both cultural legitimacy and symbolic power.
About Ogidan’Birin
Ogidan’Birin is an award-winning filmmaker best known for her internationally acclaimed film Adunni Ogidan’Birin, which blends Yoruba folklore with modern feminist themes. A passionate advocate for digital inclusion and women’s rights, she leverages her background in technology, media, and social innovation to drive impact across continents.
Her work—whether through film, community development, or tech empowerment—continues to center the voices of African women in global conversations.
