Nigerian women have been urged to remain resolute in their pursuit of equality and societal advancement.
The admonition from political leaders across the country came on the heels of global celebration of International Women’s Day on Saturday.
The day served as both a reflection on the strides made in gender equity and a call to action for the challenges that persist. Across the nation, voices echoed the importance of resilience and collective effort in shaping a more inclusive society where women can fully realise their potential.
Marked by a series of events, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns, the celebration showcased the remarkable contributions of women across various sectors, including politics, business, and entertainment.
From grassroots initiatives to high-level conferences, the spotlight was firmly placed on the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Nigerian women. Many speakers underscored the vital role women play in nation-building, emphasising that their inclusion in decision-making processes is not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for sustainable development.
With a strong emphasis on the need for continuous advocacy, political leaders and women’s rights advocates reiterated that gender inclusivity remains a crucial pillar for national progress. They urged stakeholders at all levels to go beyond rhetoric and take deliberate actions toward dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.
Leading the charge was President Bola Tinubu who celebrated the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Nigerian women, in a personal message to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day.
He described Nigerian women as the bedrock of the nation, driving progress from homes to farms, boardrooms, and communities.
He said, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, too many women still faced barriers that limited their potential.
“Our administration is committed to our Renewed Hope pledge to dismantle obstacles, expand access to finance, and ensure equitable opportunities in governance, agriculture, and every sector.
“To our mothers, daughters, sisters – your strength fuels Nigeria’s future. Together, we rise!” the president wrote.
First Lady celebrates women’s resilience, achievements
First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), has honoured women globally for their resilience, hard work, and achievements.
In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu encouraged women to cherish and support one another.
“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of all women and girls across Nigeria and the world.
“The theme for this year serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and limitations.
“I believe it is time for women to make this happen. Let us all endeavour to lift each other up, one woman at a time,” she said.
NAWOJ calls for accelerated action on gender equality
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has called on stakeholders to take bold steps toward advancing gender equality, particularly addressing the challenges facing women in rural communities.
Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, made the call in a statement commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
Ita-Ikpang emphasised the significant contributions women make across various sectors such as peace, development, economy, and technology, underscoring their role in shaping the nation’s future.
“On this special day, we stand in solidarity with women in the FCT and join women worldwide to accelerate action and push for gender equity.
“We acknowledge the strides we’ve made, but we also recognise the challenges that remain,” she said.
According to Ita-Ikpang, the association’s sub-theme, “Amplifying the Voice of Rural Women,” highlights the need to bridge gender gaps, uplift rural women, and create a society where all women have equal opportunities to thrive.
She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fighting for the empowerment of women, ensuring equal opportunities for all, and creating platforms for women’s voices to be heard and valued.
Ondo gov charges women to uplift, empower one another
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state charged women to be committed to the uplifting and empowering one another towards breaking down obstacles to success.
This is just as the governor disbursed N35m in grants to about 1,000 women in the state as part of initiatives to commemorate the Women’s Day, saying the grants is to help boost their businesses and improve their lives.
Aiyedatiwa who stated that the gesture was made in recognition of the struggle of women, said that the gesture was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment towards women’s development.
While presenting the cash during the during the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment held at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, the governor ssured that his administration will focus on the all-round development of women.
Women are key to society’s growth —Delta gov’s wife
The wife of the Delta State governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, has praised the dedication and contributions of women to society, saying men can hardly thrive without them.
Mrs Oborevwori, who is also the founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation (YMCF), made this remark during the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, organised by her office on Saturday in Asaba.
Addressing over 1,000 women from across the state, she said, “history shows that men cannot achieve their goals without women.”
She also highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, noting that there was a growing global commitment to fast-tracking efforts aimed at eliminating barriers to gender equality.
“The celebration of the International Women’s Day reminds us of women’s vital roles, strengths, challenges and contributions to our nation’s growth.
“It also serves as a reminder to us as women, to be intentional about our personal growth and advancement to enable us serve the world around us better.
”As wives, mothers and as women generally, we must pay attention to the small details at home and in our workplaces to harness our potential effectively,” she said..
Wike hails invaluable contributions of women society
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, hailed the invaluable contribution of women to the development of society.
Wike gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day.
The minister said in the statement, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, that “women, the pillars of our homes should be celebrated”.
He said that the FCT Administration was working to ensure that women received the recognition they deserved.
He stressed that women were the custodians of men and children, noting that their roles in managing and sustaining the family institution, which is the basic unit of any society, are always appreciated.
While specially appreciating women in the FCT, Wike urged them to continue to support the government, promising more dividends of democracy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“To our women in the FCT, starting from the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mahmoud Mariya, and the first female Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, today gives us the opportunity to say we are grateful for the impact you are making.
“For us, we will keep doing our best to make life more meaningful, especially for women who are undoubtedly the pillars of our homes,” he said.
Soludo’s wife calls for celebration of womanhood sanctity
Wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on society across the world to treasure and celebrate the sanctity of womanhood.
Soludo made the call in a statement on Saturday in Awka to commemorate the International Women’s Day marked every March 8.
She highlighted the invaluable roles women play in family, community, and societal development, urging everyone to recognise and honour their contributions.
According to her, women are the biggest blessing and heartbeat of any society.
“There is a certain pride that comes with being a woman; and it is a privilege that every home and society should hold dear and celebrate them always.
“Nothing beats the essence and beauty of womanhood. Have you ever imagined what the world would really be like without women?” she said.
Benue gov stresses need to educate girl child
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure educating the girl child.
The governor stated this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo in a message to mark this year’s International Women’s Day
According to the governor educating girl child is the most powerful weapon against oppression and relegation just as he described women as the cradle of life and society.
Governor Alia described the contributions of women as vital, stating that without the women, communities would weaken, the economy would suffer and families would forever be searching for a direction.
He also explained the key roles played by Benue women in the areas of farming, trade, lawmaking, teaching, policymaking, as physicians and nurses called on the male folks never to look down on the women.
Kwara gov hails women on resilience, creativity
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State also celebrated women for their resilience, creativity, and the joy that they bring to every space they occupy.
The governor in a statement on Saturday said that women are critical stakeholders in “our society and in our quest for sustainable development.”
“They play important roles in development, social cohesion, and progress. Our administration recognises this, and we have continued to promote initiatives, policies, and legislations that protect the rights of women and offer equitable opportunities.
“The theme of this year’s celebration is Accelerate Action. I believe we have measured up to this in Kwara– and will do more. From making history with our female majority cabinet in 2019, we now have a pathfinder law that guarantees at least 35 per cent affirmative action for every government appointment.”
As UNESCO leads campaign for 12 million young women in agriculture in Nigeria
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Nigerian government and other stakeholders have launched mobilisation campaign towards achieving targeted 12 million young women in agriculture in Nigeria.
The initiative, Young Women in Agriculture (YWA), themed: “Enhancing the Economic Value of Nigerian Women through Agricultural Value Chain,” is a strategic intervention of the Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF), which is designed to empower women and youth, enabling them to contribute significantly to food production, economic stability, and national security.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in commemoration of the 2025 United Nations International Women’s Day in Abuja, UNESCO REF President and National Coordinator, Young Women in Agriculture, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, underscored the place of women and young girls as well as the pivotal role of agriculture in the attainment of sustainable economic growth for the country.
He explained that the project aims to ensure mobilization of 12 million Nigerian Women, 2 million per each of the six geopolitical zones of the Federation, to be able to contribute to food and nutrition security, mitigate national security threat through non-kinetic approach and promote economic growth through agribusiness.
The Project duration is for four years (2024 to 2027) at the first instance that could be continued for additional three years (2028 to 2030).
Ladigbolu lamented that the economy of Nigeria majorly depends on oil and gas sector and that one of the damaging impact has been the long, steady decline of the country’s agricultural sector.
“The issues of food insecurity in Nigeria has had a profound and cascading impact on various aspects of the nation, exacerbating poverty rate, contributing to a surge in the number of out-of school children, and posing a significant threat to national security,” he stated.
He noted that the flag-off of 12 million YWA champion mobilisation campaign ceremony represents more than just a formal start, saying this symbolises the birth of a movement—a movement that recognizes and celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of women.
Ebonyi gov’s wife celebrates with women
Wife of Ebonyi State governor Mrs Mary-Maudaline Nwifuru has described women as the pillars of their homes, communities and society as their contributions continue to shape the future of the State and Nigeria.
Mrs Nwifuru stated this in a statement signed by her press secretary Ms Nnenna Oshibe while extending warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable women of the State on the 2025 International Women’s Day.
According to her, this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” serves as a powerful call for all women to redouble their efforts in advancing gender equality, empowering women economically, and ensuring that their voices are heard in all spheres of life.
She then urged every woman to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring future generations as she reaffirms her commitment to policies and initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, education, and economic inclusion in the state.
“ The time for change is now, to uplift, support, and create more opportunities for women and girls”.
“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of every woman across our dear state. Women are the pillars of our homes, communities, and society, and their contributions continue to shape the future of Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole”.
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