By George Ozalla
Women leaders, activists, and stakeholders from across the Niger Delta convened in Yenagoa for a comprehensive summit on women’s political inclusion organised by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in partnership with civic groups and allies committed to closing the gender gap in governance. The event drew high-profile attendees including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan and Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Chairman of PANDEF, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, and women’s rights advocates united in advancing the cause of equitable representation.
In his address, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri emphasised the need to move beyond token gestures to genuine integration of women into political leadership at all levels. He called on women not to confine themselves to reserved seats but to compete in mainstream political contests, stressing that Nigerian women possess the talent, qualifications, and resilience to vie for elective offices on equal terms with men. Governor Diri cited examples of accomplished women across the public and private sectors whose leadership has driven positive change, and urged sustained investment in capacity building, mentorship, and leadership development for women aspiring to public office. He noted that inclusive governance strengthens democracy and enhances policy outcomes for communities nationwide.
Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan spoke on the historical and ongoing struggles for women’s political rights, drawing on her own experiences in public life. She encouraged women to build coalitions, mentor younger leaders, and remain steadfast in pursuing positions of influence, noting that progress in political inclusion benefits families, communities, and the nation at large.
Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali reiterated PANDEF’s commitment to championing gender inclusion across the Niger Delta and beyond, affirming that advancing women’s participation in political decision-making is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for sustainable development. He highlighted PANDEF’s plans to collaborate with governments, civil society, and international partners to expand training programmes, civic education, and leadership forums tailored for women and girls.
PANDEF National Women Leader Grace Ekong outlined the summit’s strategic framework, calling for deliberate policies that address structural barriers to women’s political engagement, including access to resources, mentorship networks, and electoral support mechanisms. Representatives of women’s groups from across the Niger Delta shared testimonies and insights, highlighting the challenges they face in political participation and advocating for more inclusive party structures, financing mechanisms, and mentorship schemes.
The Yenagoa forum ended with calls to action aimed at deepening collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing public awareness on gender inclusion, and accelerating efforts to ensure that women’s voices are present and influential in political arenas across the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
