DR. GLORIA LARABA SHODA at 70: Her Life, Her Mission & Her Legacies
...The Timeless Grace, Global Influence, and Enduring Legacy of an African Matriarch of Women’s Development
At 70, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda, mni, MFR, stands as one of Africa’s most distinguished women, a torchbearer of empowerment, a bridge between tradition and modern leadership, and a global ambassador for peace, gender equality, and community development.
Her journey from Kawo in Kaduna State to the Board of the International Council of Women, the world’s oldest global women’s organization, is the story of a woman who rose through diligence, resilience, and an unwavering passion for service.
This is the story of a life lived for others.
Early Life: Roots of a Leader
Born on 16 November 1955 in Kawo, Kaduna State, Gloria Laraba grew up in a family that instilled discipline, faith, and a deep respect for education. These values would become the backbone of her career and the compass that guided her public service.
She began her educational journey at St. Peter’s Demonstration School, Kawo (1962–1968), before proceeding to St. Faith’s College, Kawo (1969–1972). Even as a young girl, her gifts were unmistakable, intelligence, compassion, a remarkable sense of responsibility, and a natural tendency toward leadership.
Her calling in education led her to the United Missionary College, Ibadan, where she obtained her Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1978. Determined to go further, she enrolled at the Ogun State College of Education (now Tai Solarin College of Education) between 1979 and 1982, studying Applied Science Technology and graduating with an NCE (Upper Merit).
From there, she would launch a journey that blended education, community development, leadership, and global advocacy.
A Scholar of Community Development
Dr. Shoda’s academic life mirrors her deepest values, service, empowerment, and peace.
1982–1983: She completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
1993: She earned a B.Ed (Hons) in Adult Education / Community Development from the University of Benin, graduating with Second Class Upper.
2003–2005: She obtained a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Community Development from the University of Ibadan.
She later completed a Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Management through a distance-learning theological program, deepening her commitment to peace-building and conflict resolution.
In 2014, she entered the prestigious NIPSS, Kuru, completing the Senior Executive Course 36 and earning the highly respected national title Member of the National Institute (mni).
Education, for her, is not merely personal advancement — it is a tool for liberating communities. Her academic work would go on to inspire countless national programmes she championed for girls, widows, the underserved, and women in rural communities.
From Classroom to National Leadership
Dr. Shoda’s professional career began in public service in 1974 at the Ministry of Health, Maiduguri, after which she transitioned into teaching — her first true calling.
She taught in Army Children’s School, Kaduna, later in military schools in Lagos, before moving to Ogun State, where she served as a teacher and administrator at institutions such as:
Ikenne Community High School, Remo Secondary School, Sagamu (1986–1991).
Her progression through the education system shaped her belief that societal transformation begins with informed, empowered citizens.
After leaving formal teaching in the early 1990s, she moved into entrepreneurship and civic leadership — two arenas in which she flourished remarkably.
A Force in Business and Civic Development
A woman of uncommon versatility, Dr. Shoda established herself as a successful businesswoman and community builder. She is the CEO of Silver Rock Global Investment Services Ltd, and has held key chambers of commerce leadership roles including:
President, Remo Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (RECCIMA). President, Ogun Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGCCIMA).
She also served as Chairman, Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, contributing significantly to technical and vocational education in Ogun State.
Her passion for education later inspired her to establish the Great Scholars International School in Sagamu — a model institution that continues to produce disciplined, high-performing students.
The National Stage: Transforming NCWS
Dr. Shoda’s most visible national role came through the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) — Nigeria’s largest women’s umbrella body.
2012–2016: National Vice President,
2016–2022: National President of NCWS.
As President, she redefined the organization’s national relevance. Her administration strengthened advocacy in: Women’s economic empowerment,
widows’ welfare, girl-child education, maternal health, political participation of women, youth mentorship, community development.
Under her leadership, NCWS empowered small-scale women entrepreneurs, supported thousands of widows, and paid WAEC fees for indigent students.
Many still describe her tenure as one of the most impactful in the group’s history.
Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage
Dr. Gloria Shoda’s influence widened from national to continental and global leadership.
She is:
President, African Regional Council of Women (ARCW)
President & Founder, African League of Women Voters (ALWOV)
A two-term Board Member of the International Council of Women (ICW) — first elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2025 with over 90% support.
ICW is the world’s oldest global women’s organization (established 1888), and her election was historic — she became one of the first Black African women to hold such a prestigious board seat.
Her work at ICW has amplified African women’s interests at global policy tables, especially in areas of gender rights, peace-building, and development.
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Chieftaincy Titles, National Recognitions & Honours
Dr. Shoda is widely honored across Nigeria and beyond. Among her prestigious titles and honours are:
Traditional Titles
Erelu of the Yoruba in the FCT (Abuja) , conferred by the Yoruba Council of Oba (the highest lifetime traditional female title in the diaspora Yoruba monarchy). She is the: Yeye Moye of Remoland, Yeye Apesin of Iperu-Remo,
Iyalode of Igbogun Kingdom,
…and several others recognizing her philanthropic and developmental work.
National Honour
Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) — awarded in 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
International & Leadership Awards
She has received numerous distinctions, including:
African Women Leadership Award, ECOWAS International Leadership Award,
Pan-African Servant Leadership Award
Ambassador of Peace and African Women Leader (World Peace Programme, 2024)
Leadership Awards for Community Development and Gender Advocacy
Her life’s work continues to attract global commendation.
Mentor, Builder, Matriarch
Behind the titles and accolades lies a woman deeply committed to mentorship. She has mentored countless young leaders — women in politics, business, education, and public service.
She believes that “leadership must be transferred,” and she lives this principle by opening doors, creating platforms, and guiding emerging leaders with patience and wisdom.
Her Christian faith remains central to her life. Many who know her affirm that her kindness, humility, and integrity come from a heart anchored in God.
A Life of Impact at 70
At 70, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda is not slowing down. She continues to speak at international conferences, lead continental women’s initiatives, design empowerment programs, and advocate for peace and gender equality.
Her legacy stands on four pillars:
1. Leadership with Substance
She leads with vision, clarity, and results.
2. Service with Compassion
Her humanitarian work touches widows, youth, students, and vulnerable groups across communities.
3. Advocacy with Courage
She challenges systems that hinder women’s progress — boldly but with wisdom.
4. Institution Building
From NCWS to ARCW, to ALWOV, the organizations she has built or strengthened will outlast her.
Celebrating a Rare Gem
Few women embody service, leadership, culture, education, philanthropy, and diplomacy as seamlessly as Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda. She is a national treasure, a continental force, and a global ambassador for women.
At 70, her story continues — inspiring young women, shaping policies, strengthening institutions, and lighting the path for a generation that dares to dream bigger.
Dr. Gloria Shoda is not just a name.
She is a legacy. A beacon. A woman whose life has become a blessing to nations.
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