Double Celebration at WANEP Nigeria as Dr. Bridget Osakwe Retires on Her Birthday; Mrs. Patience Ikpeh-Obaulo Elevated as New National Network Coordinator
ABUJA, NIGERIA — It was a joyous atmosphere of double celebration as the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (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 peacebuilders, 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 Peacebuilder”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of WANEP Regional, Levinia Addae-Mensah, extolled Dr. Osakwe’s exemplary leadership, describing her as a quintessential peacebuilder 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 peacebuilder, 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 Peacebuilding (WANEP) is a leading regional peacebuilding organization operating across West Africa, dedicated to conflict prevention, peace education, and empowering communities to foster sustainable peace.
