…praise impact on Nigeria’s progress

….as NHRC urges stronger action to protect rights of women

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday praised the impacts of Nigerian women at home and in the diaspora in the economic growth of the country.

The president a message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, IWD, said women across different sectors of society continue to demonstrate resilience, courage and determination that sustain the nation, describing them as central to the country’s development and progress.

“Today, on International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women of Nigeria, at home and abroad.

“Across our homes, farms, markets, offices, and the halls of leadership, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate strength, courage, and determination that help hold our nation together,” Tinubu said.

The president noted that women play vital roles in nation-building, describing them as mothers, entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens who contribute significantly to the country’s development.

“They are mothers who nurture, entrepreneurs who build, professionals who lead, and citizens who continue to shape the destiny of our country with resilience and dignity.”

He also acknowledged the historical and contemporary contributions of women to Nigeria’s democratic growth and socio-economic advancement.

“Nigeria’s progress has always carried the imprint of women who refused to accept limits placed before them.

“From those who fought for our democracy to the millions who labour daily to support their families and communities, their contributions to nation-building are profound,” he said.

Tinubu added that the government remains committed to creating opportunities that would allow women and girls to realise their full potential.

Emphasising the impact of women on national progress, he noted that “when Nigerian women rise, Nigeria rises.”

The resident concluded by honouring the strength, sacrifices and enduring contributions of women to the country.

Also in her message to mark 2026 International Women’s Day, the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ stressing that empowering women goes beyond charity and is central to national growth.

Meanwhile, in celebration of this years IWD, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, called for renewed commitment and concrete actions to advance and protect the rights of women and girls across Nigeria.

A press statement by the director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, said NHRC executive secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) made the call while felicitating with Nigerian women and women around the world on the occasion of the 2026 celebration.

According to Ojukwu, the theme for this year’s commemoration is a reminder that the pursuit of gender equality must go beyond rhetoric to deliberate and sustained action aimed at dismantling barriers that hinder women and girls from fully enjoying their fundamental human rights.

He emphasised that investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship will create a stronger, more equitable society.

Ojukwu noted that the NHRC, in line with its statutory mandate to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all persons in Nigeria, remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls across the country.

He explained that the commission maintains a dedicated department responsible for issues relating to women and children, which over the years has received and handled numerous complaints bordering on sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and other rights violations affecting women and girls.

Through mediation, investigation and other intervention mechanisms, according to him, the commission has successfully resolved many of these cases, securing remedies for victims while promoting accountability and reinforcing respect for the dignity and rights of women.

The NHRC boss expressed concern about the continued incidence of early and forced marriage in some communities, noting that the practice deprives girls of their childhood, denies them access to education and exposes them to significant health and socio-economic risks.

He further highlighted the low level of women’s representation in political and decision-making spaces, stressing that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.

He also noted that women often bear a disproportionate burden in situations of insecurity, conflict and displacement, where they are exposed to heightened risks of exploitation, violence and loss of livelihoods.

Ojukwu maintained that advancing and investing on the rights of women was not only a moral responsibility, but also a constitutional imperative and a key driver of sustainable development.

He emphasised the need for stronger implementation of laws and policies designed to protect women and girls, while ensuring that survivors of rights violations have timely access to justice and effective remedies.

He commended Nigerian women for their resilience, courage and invaluable contributions to national development across various sectors including governance, education, business, agriculture, security and community development.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to continuing advocacy, monitoring and public engagement initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the protection of the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.

Also commemorating the 2026 IWD, governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo called for greater justice and decisive action to ensure equality and opportunities for women and girls.

Obasanjo, who made the call in a statement yesterday to mark the the occasion, said the annual global event serves as a reminder that progress for women must go beyond policies and promises to real change in society.

She noted that although many countries now have legal frameworks meant to protect women, the reality in many societies still falls short of those commitments.

“We live in a time when most nations have laws on paper that protect women. We have policies for equal pay, laws against discrimination, and quotas for representation.

“But as we look around, we see that a right on paper is not the same as justice in practice in our country,” she said.

According to the former senator, justice should be reflected in the everyday experiences of women, whether in professional, social or institutional spaces.

She stressed that achieving meaningful progress requires confronting subtle forms of discrimination and investing in the wellbeing of women and girls.

“Justice is what happens when a woman can walk into a courtroom, a boardroom, or a doctor’s office and be seen as a whole and equal human being.

“It is the bridge between the law and our lived reality. But justice doesn’t happen by accident. It requires action.

“Action means challenging the ‘quiet’ biases in our offices. It means investing in the health and safety of girls in every corner of the globe, not just where it is convenient.

“It means realising that when we give to gain—when we invest in women—the entire community benefits,” she said.

Obasanjo expressed confidence in the support she receives from women, dismissing the notion that women often worked against one another.

She added that greater representation of women in leadership positions would help inspire younger generations.

“I do not share the belief that women are women’s greatest enemies. I indeed believe that women are my greatest supporters.

“I have been taught and mentored by several formidable women, from my mother and grandmother to teachers and advisors.

“If elected the first female governor in Nigeria, it’ll add to what is possible for women and inspire girls,” she said.

She urged women to work together towards a future of greater opportunities and equality, while stressing the need for collective efforts to