Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, the founder and executive director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) in Abuja, Nigeria, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Opus Prize, which carries a $1.2 million award recognizing outstanding humanitarian efforts globally.

The award ceremony took place on November 14 at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution located in California’s Silicon Valley.

During the event, Sister Ngozi, a member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition.

“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no,” she remarked. “Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude. I never dreamed the work my team and I have been doing in remote communities would gain recognition, not just locally but across the Atlantic in the United States.”

Sister Ngozi acknowledged the Opus Prize jury for their belief in her mission to alleviate suffering among marginalized groups. “By choosing CWSI as the 2024 Opus Prize winner, you have placed a significant responsibility on us; to whom much is given, much is expected,” she stated.

She dedicated the award to all those who have partnered with CWSI to foster positive change in their lives and communities.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Sister Ngozi credited her father for his unwavering support in her education despite societal challenges. “Thank you, Papa. Your sacrifice was not in vain,” she said,.

Under Sister Ngozi’s leadership, CWSI empowers women by promoting political awareness, social responsibility, and economic independence. The organization advocates for women's inclusion in government and works towards enforcing legal protections against gender-based violence across five Nigerian states.