Reps Deputy Clerk, Vivian Njemanze, has been nominated by UN-POLAC for the prestigious Distinguished Woman of Peace Honour Award (DWOPHA)
The Deputy Clerk (Administration) of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Vivian Njemanze, has been nominated for the prestigious Distinguished Woman of Peace Honour Award (DWOPHA) by the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC).
The nomination was announced in a letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Director General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Halo B. Eton, FCWI, MyrP. The award recognizes Njemanze’s contributions to peacebuilding, governance, and national development.
The award ceremony is set to take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 1 PM.
At the event, Njemanze will be presented with a Certificate of Award, a Crystal Award Plaque, a Golden Medal, and other paraphernalia as a mark of honor.
According to UN-POLAC, the nomination aligns with the UN General Assembly’s declaration and coincides with the annual observance of the “International Day of Living Together in Peace”. Prof. Eton stated that the award is meant to acknowledge women’s pivotal role in peacebuilding and national development.
“The day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace,” Eton said.
The “Distinguished Women of Peace Honour Award” features several categories, including:
- Florence Nightingale Peace Award
- Mary Slessor Peace Award
- Queen Amina Heroine Award
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Peace Award
- Mother Teresa Heart of Gold Award
- Queen Moremi Ajasoro Legendary Award
These awards aim to recognize and celebrate women of integrity who have contributed to peace, conflict resolution, and leadership across various sectors.
Eton emphasized that Njemanze’s recognition would inspire her to continue advancing innovative strategies that enhance women’s participation in peacebuilding. “As a woman of peace, you can be called upon for peacemaking, conflict resolution, and other activities that promote peace and positive living in line with best international practices,” he added.
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The award also aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in October 2000, which acknowledges the critical role of women in peace and security efforts worldwide.
Who is Vivian Njemanze?
Vivian Njemanze is a seasoned administrator and legislative expert with extensive experience in governance. Before her appointment as Deputy Clerk in charge of Administration, she served as the Director of Policy and Programme under the Legislative Budget and Planning Directorate.
She has also held key positions in the Nigerian Senate, including Clerk and Head of Administration for the Senate Committee on Defense, the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
Njemanze’s career spans over three decades in public service, including her role as Under Secretary to the National Constitutional Conference (1994-1995), which contributed to drafting Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. She also served as Personal Assistant in charge of Administration to the Minister of Information and Culture from 1996 to 1998.
Her dedication to sustainable development is evident through her leadership as President of the Climate Check Mitigation Initiative. She is also a fellow and life member of the Institute of Budget Management and Administration.
Her nomination for the UN-POLAC Distinguished Woman of Peace Honour Award marks another milestone in her illustrious career and contributions to national development.
