Fellow women of Nigeria, distinguish and esteemed members of League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), as we stand at the threshold of a new year 2025, I am honored to address you as the President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV). We look forward to the exciting opportunities that 2025 holds for us.
As we reflect on the past year, we are excited about the progress we made and opportunities available in advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive leadership as an organisation. However, we also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead and it is with renewed determination and collective resolve as a team that we embark on this new journey.
This year 2025, our advocacy efforts will focus on promoting women and women with disabilities inclusion in leadership positions at all levels in Nigeria. We recognise that true democracy can only be achieved when all citizens have equal opportunities to participate in the decision making process.
NILOWV as an organisation is determined to uphold her mission to create a Nigeria where women are fully represented and included in leadership positions. We will work tirelessly to promote gender equality, challenge discriminatory norms, and advocate for policies that support women’s empowerment.
To achieve this goal, we will be rolling out a series of initiatives, including capacity building programs, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement activities. We will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.
One of NILOWV’s flagship programs for 2025 is the second phase of our campaign against Gender Based Violence in the political space. We are aware that violence against women in politics is one of the major obstacle to their participation and representation. Through this campaign we will work to raise awareness, build capacity, and advocate for policies and laws that promote a safe and inclusive environment for women in politics.
Another exciting initiative we will be unveiling in 2025 is our WARD2WARD Her Seat In Parliament (Her SIP) campaign. This campaign aims to promote women’s representation in the National and State Assemblies, with a focus on the 74 special seats bill which will provide more opportunities for women to participate in leadership positions by intentionally increasing their numbers in Parliament. We encourage every well meaning Nigerian to support and promote this Bill as it is not just about women but for every citizen as we believe that women’s participation in decision making positions is critical to achieving inclusive and equitable development for the benefit of every citizen.
To achieve the objectives of our WARD2WARD Her SAN campaign, we will be working closely with women leaders, women’s groups, community groups, and traditional and religious leaders other stakeholders and gatekeepers at the grassroots level. We will provide training, mentorship, and support to women aspiring to leadership positions, as well as advocate for policies and laws that promote women’s representation.
Our WARD2WARD Her SIP campaign will take advantage of our existing structure at the grassroots level, where we have local government coordinators and ward leaders under the supervision of the State Chairpersons.
We recognise that our work cannot be done in isolation so we are open to partnership with other civil society organisations as well as development partners, including UN Women, Action Aid Nigeria Ford Foundation and International Republican Institute (IRI), Westminster Foundations for Democracy, British High commission and various embassies to support our upcoming project. We believe that together we can make a significant impact in promoting women’s rights and inclusive leadership in Nigeria. We need your support to make this project a reality, to empower women and promote gender equality, to challenge deep sited discriminatory norms and advocate for policies that support women’s empowerment. We look forward to partnering with you to create a brighter future for women in Nigeria. Your support will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.
In 2025, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. We will work to build a Nigeria where women and women with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in leadership positions and contribute to the country’s development.
We will also be launching a series of initiatives, including capacity-building programs, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement activities. We will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.
As we begin this new chapter, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our amiable and pragmatic Board of Trustees under the leadership of Founder and board Chairperson Rt Hon Dame Dr Esther Uduehi support and enabling environment to create impact, my amazing team the National Executive Council for your resilience and doggedness Yes! We Can! do it again together in 2025, our thousands of Leaguers scattered across the 774 Local governments we appreciate your commitment and sacrifices to promote our democracy through your active participation. Our dear partners, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to advance our mission. Your dedication, expertise, and passion are the driving force behind our success.
I encourage you all to remain committed, engage actively and passionately about our mission. Let us continue to work together to achieve our goals, improve and promote our democracy while creating a better Nigeria for all.
As we celebrate the dawn of a new year, let us remember that our work is far from over. Let us recommit ourselves to the cause of promoting women’s rights and inclusive leadership. Let us work together to build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Together, we can achieve greatness and create a Nigeria where women and people with disabilities are fully represented and included in leadership positions. Let us make 2025 a year of action, advocacy, and empowerment for women and people with disabilities in Nigeria.
As we look to the future, I am filled with hope and optimism. I believe that together, we can create a Nigeria where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.
Finally, I leave you with a quote from the great Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie who said, “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” As women and advocates for inclusive leadership, let us continue to push forward, challenge the status quo, and demand our rightful place in leadership positions.
We can achieve greatness and create a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Together We Can! Yes We Can!!
Long Live League of Women Voters of Nigeria NILOWV.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.