Get Guardian on GooglePresident Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian women to strengthen solidarity and support systems among themselves to enhance their participation in governance, contribute to democratic nation-building, and promote peaceful coexistence.
He made the call at the maiden Nigeria Women for Peace and Democracy Summit and Awards 2026, organised by the National Council of Women’s Societies, NCWS Nigeria, in Abuja, with the theme “Women as Catalysts for Peace, Democracy and Inclusive Governance.”
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described women as key drivers and catalysts in democracy and peace-building, and commended the NCWS for convening the summit at such a critical time.
“Women are not bystanders in our democracy. They are drivers of peace, builders of communities and catalysts for inclusive governance. When women stand together in solidarity, our democracy becomes stronger and our nation becomes more peaceful,” the President said.
He reiterated the commitment of his Renewed Hope Agenda to implementing transformative policies and programmes to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in governance.
“My administration remains committed to creating more space for women in leadership, in governance and in peacebuilding. No nation can truly prosper when half of its population is left behind,” he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the National President of NCWS, Princess Edna Azura, said the summit was carefully designed ahead of the 2027 general election to position women as key actors in peace, governance and democratic stability, not spectators.
“We are gathered here not as spectators, but as key actors. Women must sit at the table where decisions about peace and democracy are made, because we bear the greatest burden of conflict and instability,” Princess Azura said.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Princess Jummai Idonije, explained that sustainable peace and national security cannot be achieved without the full inclusion of women in decision-making.
“There can be no sustainable peace, no lasting security, without women. Inclusion of women in decision-making is not charity, it is a necessity for national stability,” the Minister said.
Also speaking, the APC Senatorial Candidate for FCT, Philip Aduda, commended the NCWS for the great move and reaffirmed his commitment and support to strengthening women’s participation in governance.
“I commend the NCWS for this bold initiative. I remain committed to supporting policies and programmes that will give women greater voice and greater opportunity in governance,” Aduda said.
Participants drawn from different women groups, including ministries, departments and agencies, and diplomatic missions, say the NCWS has once again reaffirmed its role as the foremost voice for Nigerian women, pushing for inclusion not as a favour but as a necessity for peaceful and democratic coexistence.
A major highlight of the summit was the Nigeria Women for Peace and Democracy Awards, which honoured outstanding individuals, institutions, development partners, humanitarian organisations and women leaders whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, women’s empowerment and democratic governance.
