By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward revitalizing women’s political participation as the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) Youth Development Committee, in partnership with the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement (CGSSYA), officially unveiled the NILOWV Leadership Hub and Campus Tour at the University of Abuja.
The landmark initiative aims to deepen youth involvement in governance, strengthen voter education, and empower the next generation of female leaders across the country.
The colourful campus event featured a Leadership Walk, Voter Education Campaign, Spoken Word presentations, Panel Sessions, and Cultural Displays, drawing students, women’s groups, youth advocates, and public officials.
Minister of Women Affairs Leads the Charge
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to women’s advancement, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mallam Nasir Zakari, delivered an inspiring keynote address. She praised NILOWV and CGSSYA for “igniting a powerful torch of leadership among young Nigerians.”
According to her:
“This leadership hub is more than a programme it is a movement. A movement preparing young women to lead, to participate, and to contribute meaningfully to the destiny of our nation. Nigeria cannot fully develop if half of its population remains underrepresented in governance.
Today, we are equipping young women with knowledge, confidence, digital literacy, and civic responsibility tools needed to shape a better future. The Ministry of Women Affairs stands firmly with initiatives that bridge the gap between youth energy and national leadership.”
She emphasized the ministry’s ongoing work in digital safety, survivor support, and inclusive political participation for women and girls.
NILOWV President Sets the Tone for Renewed Inclusion
In her opening remarks, President of NILOWV, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, described the initiative as a crucial national intervention at a time when women’s voices must be amplified in Nigeria’s democratic spaces.
She noted:
“Young people especially young women must no longer sit on the sidelines. Leadership begins now, right here on campuses and in communities. NILOWV remains committed to raising leaders who understand governance, democracy, and responsible citizenship. This leadership hub will serve as a breeding ground for informed participation and positive influence.”
CGSSYA Director Calls for Courage, Inclusion and Digital Safety
Director of CGSSYA, Dr. Theresa Abok-Akpan, in her welcome address titled “Campus to Community: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders,” traced the long history of women’s struggle for inclusion globally and in Nigeria.
She highlighted significant progress made but noted that several cultural, structural, and political barriers still persist. Dr. Abok-Akpan encouraged young women to draw inspiration from resilient female leaders such as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She also connected the programme to the ongoing 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” She reaffirmed CGSSYA’s commitment to digital protection, survivor support, and strong advocacy for women’s rights.
Project Overview: A Strategic Investment in Nigeria’s Democratic Future
Chair of NILOWV Youth Development Committee, Rachel A. Ada (“The Welder”), described the Leadership Hub as a strategic and long-term investment in Nigeria’s future.
According to her: “This project bridges campus and community, theory and practice, leadership and action. Our goal is simple equip young women and men with the knowledge, skills, and civic awareness needed to participate meaningfully in elections, governance, digital spaces, and community development.
Through this tour, we will mentor thousands of students nationwide, building a generation that votes responsibly, leads responsibly, and influences society positively.”
She explained that the hub would offer mentorship, policy literacy workshops, digital safety training, leadership clinics, and intensive voter education outreach.
Celebrating Youth Voices and Cultural Identity
The event blended learning with creativity, featuring thought-provoking spoken word performances, panel conversations on women’s participation in governance, and vibrant cultural displays that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity.
Students also joined breakout sessions focused on civic responsibility, leadership development, and policy awareness.
A National Movement for Women’s Inclusion Begins
With the successful flag-off at the University of Abuja, the NILOWV Leadership Hub is set to tour campuses across Nigeria, creating a wide network of young leaders equipped to engage in political processes and community service.
Organizers emphasized that advancing women’s political inclusion is not merely a programme objective but a national priority essential to building a more inclusive, democratic, and progressive Nigeria.
