By Wumi Oyehan
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development is Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Tuesday, tasked Nigerian women to be more intentional and deliberate as this would shape the nation’s destiny.
The Minister stated this in Abuja, while declaring open the 30th anniversary of
League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) conference.
She said for Nigerian women to be able to unlock their full potentials they must be ready to realign their mission with an unstoppable force.
”A vote cast by a woman is never just a mark on paper; it is a quiet revolution, a solemn declaration of citizenship, and an instrument for generational upliftment.
”To unlock this power fully, we must realign our mission with an unstoppable force: the collective resolve of 10 million women. one voice, one movement, one choice; intentionally and strategically negotiating the Nigeria of our dreams. When ten million Nigerian women speak in unison, no institution can ignore us; when ten million women lock arms across tribes, faiths, and generations, structural barriers crumble; and when ten million women make the deliberate, uncompromising choice to vote for equity, integrity, and good governance, we do not merely participate in shaping Nigeria’s destiny; we command it,” she said.
She stressed that Nigerian women already have the capacity.
“Yet, having institutional frameworks, national action plans, and seats at policy tables is only half the victory; power must be activated where it matters most. This brings me to my vital charge to the League of Women Voters of Nigeria today: do not merely sit at the table and wait for opportunities to reach you.
”Go into the trenches, into every market, every village square, every worship center, and every polling unit to enlighten, organize, and mobilize Nigerian women to own their political power. Beyond today’s anniversary, let every single day become a movement of purposeful action for Nigerian women as we actively participate in every initiative around us,” she added.
The founder of NILOWV, Dame Esther Uduehi, in her address, said that when the association was founded 30 years ago, it was believed that women deserve more recognition in Nigeria, adding that it was imperative for women to renew their commitment to the future of the country.
”This is more than an anniversary. It is an opportunity to honour our past, reflect honestly on our present and renew our commitment to the future of Nigerian women.
”Thirty years ago, we believed that women deserved more than recognition for their contributions to society. We believed that women deserved a place where decisions were made, a voice in governance and an equal opportunity to shape the future of our country. That conviction gave strength to our journey,” she said.
In her welcome address, the National President of NILOWV, Hon Irene Mngunengen Awunah-Ikyegh, said the association has really grown, even though each responsibility has been a test of character, over the years.
She said encouraging women to participate in elections is important but it is not enough, women must be given more opportunities in governance.