The Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) has launched The Birth Before the Spread, a book documenting the organisation’s journey from its establishment in Nigeria to its emergence as a global network promoting women’s leadership in the logistics and transport sector.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, former Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Dr. Kema Chikwe, described the publication as more than a historical record, saying it celebrates WILAT’s transformation into an international movement inspiring women to excel in logistics, transport and supply chain management.
Dr. Chikwe recalled her long-standing association with WILAT, including her participation in its global launch in Sri Lanka in 2013, describing the experience as one of the defining moments of her career.
She commended the author and WILAT founder, Hajia Aisha Ali Ibrahim, for documenting the organisation’s history and preserving its legacy for future generations.
She urged stakeholders to continue mentoring young women and supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, leadership and inclusion.
In her remarks, WILAT Nigeria Chairperson and author of the book, Hajia Aisha Ali Ibrahim, said the publication celebrates the collective achievements of women in logistics and transport rather than individual accomplishments.
She explained that WILAT, founded in Nigeria in 2010 under the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has grown into a global movement with chapters in more than 45 countries.
According to Ibrahim, the book captures the vision, sacrifices and resilience of the pioneers who established WILAT and serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to careers in logistics and transport.
She called on members, institutions and stakeholders to support the publication and preserve the organisation’s history for future generations.
Delivering the keynote address, WILAT Global Chairperson, Dr. Doreen Owusu Fianko, described the book launch as a celebration of WILAT’s remarkable journey from Nigeria to a global platform empowering over 3,500 women.
She urged governments, development partners, educational institutions and corporate organisations to invest in women’s leadership, mentorship and professional development, stressing that empowering women strengthens economies and drives innovation.
Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, commended WILAT for promoting women’s participation in the logistics sector and praised Hajia Aisha Ali Ibrahim’s leadership in documenting the organisation’s history.
She encouraged women to continue mentoring one another and strengthening professional networks in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Chairperson of the occasion and former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, described women as indispensable contributors to national development, noting that logistics and transport remain critical to economic growth.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women and pledged continued collaboration with WILAT.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Communications Limited, Kingsley Anaroke, said the publication preserves an important chapter in the history of women in logistics and transport.
He described the decision to document WILAT’s journey as an act of leadership and officially presented The Birth Before the Spread to the public, expressing confidence that it would inspire greater gender inclusion and leadership across the industry.
The event also featured the decoration of Ambassador Dr. Kema Chikwe as WILAT Global Ambassador and the recognition of former Global Adviser, Senator Aryeetey, before the official presentation of the book.