By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has called for stronger unity, greater inclusion, and sustained action to advance the rights and development of African women.
Speaking at the Pan-African Women’s Day Celebration 2026 held on Friday in Abuja, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi described African women as symbols of resilience, courage, and transformation, urging governments, institutions, and development partners to move beyond promises to meaningful action.
Addressing dignitaries led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, development partners, women leaders, and participants from across Africa and the diaspora, she said this year’s celebration marked a historic milestone as Nigeria hosted the continental event in Abuja.
The MBNCWD Director General opened her remarks with the story of “Omalicha,” a newly unveiled steel sculpture at the Centre, describing it as a powerful representation of African women who continue to rise despite historical struggles and challenges.
According to her, the sculpture, created from recycled metal fragments, reflects the resilience of women who have overcome adversity while contributing immensely to their families, communities, and nations.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi explained that Pan-African Women’s Day, observed annually on July 31, commemorates the founding of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation in 1962 and honours the women who played significant roles in Africa’s liberation movements and the advancement of women’s rights across the continent.
She announced that the annual celebration would now become a permanent event at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, aimed at preserving the legacy of African women and inspiring future generations.
Paying tribute to the late Maryam Babangida, the former First Lady of Nigeria, she praised her pioneering role in promoting women’s empowerment and noted that the Centre continues to build on her vision of improving the lives of women and girls.
While celebrating the achievements of African women, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including inequality in legal rights, limited economic opportunities, climate change impacts, and violence against women and girls.
She stressed that the recent adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls presents an opportunity for African countries to strengthen legal protections and ensure effective implementation.
The Director General noted that the week-long activities leading to the celebration featured discussions on women’s economic empowerment, healthcare, mental health awareness, home ownership, storytelling, and gender equality, culminating in an International Gender Conference held on July 30.
She said the final day’s programme focused on five key pillars—Legacy, Voice, Rise, Rights, and One—designed to celebrate the contributions of African women while promoting collective commitment to gender equality and sustainable development.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi expressed appreciation to development partners, diplomatic missions, corporate organisations, and stakeholders whose support made the event possible.
She urged participants to return to their respective countries and communities with renewed determination to champion the rights, dignity, safety, and economic empowerment of women across Africa.
“The future of Africa depends on the strength, leadership, and collective voice of its women. This year, we rise as one,” she declared.
