On July 19, 2025, The Base Landmark Event Centre played host to an extraordinary gathering of notable figures from various fields. The Gutsy Experience 2025 was a powerful celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and community. What made this event truly special was the exclusive screening of the Desert Flower Documentary, a groundbreaking film that marked a milestone for the Gutsy Woman Network as their first-ever produced and executed documentary.It was a spectacular event with distinguished guests gracing the occasion with their presence, including ;
- Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, First Lady of Enugu State, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties – Mrs Chidinma Egeonu
- Hansatu Adegbite, National Consultant on Private Sector Partnerships for UN Women in Nigeria, Motivational Speaker and Gender Advocate
- Dame Ugochi Maduakwe, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism
- Patience Ozokwor, Legendary Nollywood Veteran
- Rechel Okonkwo, Nollywood Sweetheart
- Professor Ifeoma J. Okoye, Distinguished Expert in Radiation Medicine and an esteemed Medical Professional
- Hon. Mrs Ngozi Valentina Enih, The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Enugu
- Agatha Nnaji, Pioneer Director & Current Managing Director of Geometric Power (GP)
- Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, Executive Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area
- Hon. Samuel Ani, Majority Leader of Enugu State House of Assembly
- Mrs Nnenna Onwume- Legal Director of the Rangers Football Club
This event was a remarkable gathering of influential and empowered individuals, featuring representatives from notable institutions. Notably, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Commandant of the Civil Defense were among the esteemed guests in attendance to name a few. The event was indeed a testament to the power of collaboration and empowerment. With its diverse lineup of speakers, panelists, and attendees, The Gutsy Experience 2025 was truly unforgettable.
The event’s theme, “Your Era to Bloom,” served as a powerful catalyst, inspiring young girls and women to reach their full potential. The program began with an opening address by Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mrs. Chidinma Egeonu.
The First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, praised the initiative and emphasized the need for increased women empowerment and participation in the different ways we can.
Prof Joy Onyesoh spoke on the topic – “From Building to Sustainability: Rewriting the Narratives for Impactful Leadership”
Mr Chinedu Ifecheluobi gave an introduction to the debate session with the topic – “Navigating the Complexities of Women’s Underrepresentation; Identifying Systemic Barriers and Strategies to Level the Playing Field.
He also concluded the session after the heated debate, advising everyone that this was not a gender war and that we should be part of the change we seek, rather than turning against each other, since men and women need each other on different levels.
The Topic of the Debate Session, featuring men and women on opposite sides was: Women’s Underrepresentation in Leadership and Economic Opportunities is a Consequence of their Decision-Making and Risk-Aversion, Rather than Solely a Product of Systemic Barriers or Men’s Actions.
The debaters were Mr Uchenna Innocent Igboeme, Mr Stephen Agu, Mr Tochukwu James Agbo, Dr Mary Chinemerem Anyi, Mrs Malaika Bowei, and Mrs Philomena Nwajagu. Moderating the debate session was Mr. Salem Emmanuel.
Mrs Hansatu Adegbite, National Consultant on Private Sector Partnerships for UN Women in Nigeria, was a guest speaker at the event and she spoke on “Leveling the Playing Ground: Enhancing Women’s Representation in Leadership and Economic Empowerment”.
A panel session featuring Barr. Mrs. Obianuju Nnamani, Dr. Ifeoma Stella Okoye, and Ms. Rechel Okonkwo focused on the topic “Your Era to Bloom.”
The Founder of the Gutsy Woman Network, Mrs. Rachael Obiageri Edeh, delivered a speech before the screening of one episode of the documentary “The Desert Flower was aired.” The full Documentary features six amazing women, including:
- Dame Ugochi Madueke
- Patience Ozokwo
- Professor Ijeoma J. Okoye
- Dr Ijeoma Darling Onwubuya
- Barrister Joy Ogbonnaya
- Dr Chimmuanya Pearl Olanma
The Desert Flower is a powerful documentary that celebrates the strength and resilience of women. It tells the inspiring stories of women from different backgrounds who have defied stereotypes and shown remarkable resilience. The heartwarming story highlights their inspiring journeys and triumphs.
The event also included a fireside chat on the role of media in empowering through inspiring stories, featuring Judith Chidera, Miniceleb, Just Ada, and Didee.
The event featured a rich variety of sessions, each designed to engage and entertain. These included a networking session, a side attraction performance, a painting session by Mr. Trinity Peshier, a debate between men and women, and soft skills training sponsored by the Jobberman Mastercard Foundation and the Nnenna Anozie Foundation.
The evening concluded with a much-needed after-party anchored by Big Ajibo, one of the biggest hype men in the East.
Post Gutsy Experience 2025
The Gutsy Experience undoubtedly inspired those present to bloom in their respective areas. Still, there’s more to come. As a follow-up to this remarkable event, a post-event webinar titled “Implementation Strategy” will be happening on the 29th and 30th August 2025, at 7 pm Nigerian Time. This online session will serve as a practical guide for the attendees to turn the ideas and inspiration from the event into actionable steps. And if you didn’t attend the Gutsy Experience 3.0, this is also an opportunity for you to gain one piece of knowledge or 100. It promises to be a great learning experience for all.