By Gabriel Ameh
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has marked its 30th anniversary with a renewed call for a stronger and more sustainable women’s movement capable of advancing democratic development in Nigeria.
The call was made during the 2026 Annual General Meeting and 30th Anniversary celebration of NILOWV, held in Abuja under the theme: “Building a Sustainable Women’s Movement for Democratic Development.”
In her welcome address, President of NILOWV, Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s three-decade journey while examining what must be done to strengthen women’s participation in leadership, governance and democratic processes.
She noted that NILOWV’s 30-year journey began in 1996, at a difficult period in Nigeria’s political history, when women’s organisations and activists continued to organise, advocate and demand greater space for women’s voices.
According to her, the contributions of women who sustained advocacy during challenging periods helped lay important foundations for the democratic environment enjoyed in Nigeria today.
Awunah-Ikyegh stressed that the struggle for women’s participation must go beyond election periods, noting that sustainable progress requires continuous voter education, strong leadership, effective partnerships and accountability.
She challenged participants to reflect on how far the women’s movement has come, the challenges it has encountered and what must be done differently to ensure that younger generations inherit a stronger movement.
The NILOWV president also urged women’s organisations to learn from experiences across Africa and other parts of the world while adapting useful lessons to Nigeria’s peculiar social and political environment.
She said the anniversary should serve as a bridge between the organisation’s history and its future, while recognising the sacrifices of founding members, past leaders, volunteers and partners who contributed to the growth of the movement.
Dr. Lotana Okoye Delivers Keynote Address
The anniversary programme featured a keynote address by Dr. Lotana Okoye, who spoke on the significance of sustaining the women’s movement and its contribution to democratic development.
The keynote address provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress, challenges and future direction of women’s participation in Nigeria’s political and democratic space.
Dr. Okoye’s contribution formed part of the broader conversation at the anniversary, which focused on how women and women-led organisations can strengthen their collective voice, build sustainable structures and remain relevant across generations.
The keynote also complemented NILOWV’s call for a women’s movement that goes beyond election-period mobilisation to sustained civic engagement, leadership development and democratic participation.
Barrister Lydia Odeh Speaks on Women’s Movement
Barrister Lydia Odeh also delivered a lecture at the anniversary gathering, contributing to discussions on the role of women in democratic development and the need to sustain the gains made by previous generations.
Her lecture formed part of the intellectual and advocacy-focused sessions designed to encourage reflection on the challenges facing women and the strategies required to strengthen women’s participation in leadership and governance.
The contributions of Dr. Okoye and Barrister Odeh added depth to the anniversary conversation as participants examined the past, present and future of the women’s movement in Nigeria.
NILOWV FCT Chapter Reaffirms Commitment
The FCT Chapter Chairman of NILOWV, Comrade Sandra Ogbonna, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of sustaining the organisation’s vision and strengthening women’s participation in democratic development.
She joined other speakers and participants in reflecting on the importance of building a movement capable of responding to changing political, social and generational realities.
A representative of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) delivered a goodwill message in solidarity with NILOWV’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The anniversary programme also featured the presentation of awards to deserving members, recognising their contributions to the organisation and the broader women’s movement.
The celebration brought together women leaders, members, partners, guests and stakeholders to reflect on NILOWV’s journey while looking ahead to a future where women can play a stronger role in leadership, governance and democratic development.
As NILOWV marks three decades, the anniversary has renewed the conversation around building a women’s movement that is not only active during elections but remains organised, informed and influential throughout the democratic process.
The event ultimately served as both a celebration of NILOWV’s 30-year journey and a call for renewed commitment to ensuring that women’s voices remain central to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Credit: Media360Impact Report | Information supplied from NILOWV 2026 Annual General Meeting and 30th Anniversary proceedings.
