Stakeholders have called on Nigerian women to unite, collaborate and mentor younger generations to drive national development and societal growth.

The stakeholders who spoke differently at the launch of HER Unity Circle a by the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) with the theme: Her Power, Our Unity” Empowerment, Leadership and National Transformation’ to celebrate women and promote their role in nation-building

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francesca Bassey, in her keynote address  emphasized that unity among women was critical to achieving meaningful impact in society.

According to her, collaboration among women would foster growth and help them fulfil their roles as builders and nurturers in society.

“Without unity, there can be no collaboration, and without collaboration there cannot be growth or impact in society. Women should come together, support one another and shun unhealthy competition,” she said.

She stressed the need for women to mentor younger ones and serve as role models capable of guiding the next generation toward leadership and societal transformation.

Bassey noted that Nigerian women have demonstrated competence and excellence in various fields of endeavour, urging society to give them greater opportunities, particularly in politics.

“Women have shown capacity, competence and leadership across sectors. If they can effectively manage smaller communities and institutions, there is no reason they cannot lead larger ones,” she said.

Also speaking, President-General of USOSA, Michael Magaji, said the association joined the global community to mark International Women’s Day in recognition of the significant contributions of women to national development.

Magaji noted that women constitute a large proportion of USOSA membership, particularly as the association comprises alumni of Federal Government Colleges, including Federal Government Girls’ Colleges established to promote gender inclusion in education.

“The capacity of women to lead is not in doubt. We have women who are ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of major institutions. What we encourage is for them to show up more and speak up so their voices can be heard,” Magaji said.

Also speaking, Vice President-General of USOSA, Barrister Chinedu Amure, said the association used the occasion to launch the HER Unity Circle, a platform designed to strengthen networking, mentoring and empowerment among women within the USOSA community.

Amure explained that the initiative would focus on creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and support one another.

She noted that educating and empowering women remains a critical factor in national development.

“When you educate a woman, you educate a whole community. Women play vital roles both in their homes and in society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who represented the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said women have made significant contributions to leadership and national development.

The Head of Service who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Fatima Mahmood,  noted  that more opportunities are still needed to increase women’s representation in leadership positions.

She urged women to be confident, step forward and take advantage of available opportunities, calling on men to support women, describing them as partners in progress rather than competitors.