IWD 2026: Akpabio, Sanwo-Olu, others laud women for contributions to national development

*Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate, in the National Assembly, pledges the Federal Legislature’s support for policies that expand opportunities for women and girls, especially in economic and political participation in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate, in the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, FCT, has hailed women for their sacrifices and contributions to family stability, and national development.

ConsumerConnect reports Senator Akpabio, in his message on the commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).

He said Nigerian women had continued to demonstrate resilience, strength and commitment in building families and communities where they are.

The Senate President further noted: “I join the globe to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends who wake up each day and work to make the world a better place.

“Your relentless efforts can never go unnoticed.”

According to Akpabio, he has remained a major beneficiary of the sacrifices made by women.

He declared: “I am the biggest beneficiary of the love, care, compassion and sacrifice of a woman.

“My mother gave her all to raise me to become what I am today.”

In regard to empowerment policies for women, the Nigerian Senate President pledged that the National Assembly would support policies that expand opportunities for women, particularly in economic and political participation.

Akpabio asserted: “As a Legislature, we are committed to pushing for robust investment in our womenfolk in all spheres of life, especially female participation in the economic and political processes of our nation.”

Lagos Governor speaks on essence of 2026 IWD theme

Toeing the line of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has restated his administration’s commitment to policies that empower women and create more opportunities for them to succeed.

Sanwo-Olu, in his message to the womenfolk makeing this year’s IWD, said this in consonance with the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD): “Give. Gain”.

The Lagos Governor emphasised the significance of supporting women through deliberate actions and inclusive opportunities.

Sanwo-Olu averred: “When we invest in women, everyone benefits. Progress does not happen by chance.

“It happens when we choose to support women and create real opportunities for women and girls in our homes, workplaces and communities.”

He assured that his administration in Lagos would continue to promote programmes that encourage gender inclusion, leadership opportunities, and economic empowerment for women.

The governor stated: “I remain committed to building a Lagos where every woman has the chance to grow, lead and succeed.”

Group advocates reforms to protect rights of women, girls with disabilities

In its statement on the occasion, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) advocated urgent reforms to protect the rights of women and girls with disabilities.

Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, noted that women with disabilities often faced multiple layers of discrimination in education, employment, healthcare and access to justice.

Unumeri said harmful social norms, discriminatory laws and inaccessible justice systems were limiting their participation in society.

The Acting Director of CCD further stated: “Women and girls with disabilities experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination on the basis of gender and disability in critical areas of life.”

Unumeri also urged governments and stakeholders to implement disability-inclusive legal reforms, and strengthen protection against gender-based violence.

He, therefore, urged inclusive justice systems, survivor-centred support services, disability-inclusive legal aid, and increased participation of women with disabilities in governance and decision-making in Nigeria.

The Centre reiterated: “True equality cannot be achieved when women and girls with disabilities are excluded from justice, denied protection or silenced by systems meant to uphold their rights.”

In his submission also, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), commended female Officers and Airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their professionalism and contributions to operational effectiveness.

Air Marshal Aneke noted: “Within the NANAF, our female officers and airwomen remain vital to our operational success.”

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