A gender advocate, Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi, has urged Nigerian women to actively participate in politics, saying sustainable national development depends on women’s meaningful involvement in governance and other critical sectors.
Abdullahi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the National Convention and Award Presentation organised by the Nigerian Women of Integrity Per Excellence Paragon Association in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention was themed “Women in Politics (Merit and Demerit).”
Speaking as the guest speaker, Abdullahi described women as indispensable partners in nation-building and encouraged them to take up leadership roles in their communities and across the country.
She said women’s active participation in politics would strengthen policy formulation, improve decision-making and promote inclusive governance.
According to her, women remain the bedrock of society and possess the capacity to drive positive social and economic transformation.
Abdullahi also urged women to uphold integrity, diligence and compassion in all their endeavours, noting that their conduct should inspire others and reflect the values needed for national development.
She described women as the pillars of every society, highlighting their critical roles in nurturing families, promoting peace and advancing sustainable development.
The gender advocate further called on women to remain united, confident and committed to making lasting contributions to the nation’s growth and progress.
Also speaking, the Grand Patron of the association, Dr Damilola Fetuga, encouraged women to move beyond traditional limitations and play more active roles in nation-building.
Fetuga said women possess the knowledge, competence and leadership qualities required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
She urged women to participate actively in politics, stressing that the era when women were excluded from leadership and decision-making had passed.
According to her, women should seize opportunities to influence governance and shape public policies that affect society.
Fetuga also called on governments at all levels to create an enabling environment that promotes women’s participation in politics and other sectors.
She advocated policies that guarantee equal opportunities and remove barriers limiting women’s involvement in leadership and public service.
She further urged women to remain united, self-confident and committed to contributing to national development, stressing that their participation is essential to achieving sustainable growth.
NAN reports that the association honoured Eric Nnamdi Anyamene with the Integrity Man of the Year 2026 award during the convention.
The event also produced new national executives, with Mrs Manu Ramatu emerging as Northern Leader, Blessings Odibe as South-East Leader, Mrs Nancy Daniel as South-West Leader, Mrs Umoh as South-South Leader, alongside other executive members.
Source: NAN
