Keynote Speaker, Dr.Tsgye TItilayo (L); with the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development (MBNCWD), Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, during the celebration of the first Nigerian Pan-African Women’s Day organised by MBNCWD in Abuja on August 2, 2026.
By Peace Udugba
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to celebrate the first Nigerian Pan-African Women’s Day.
The event, organised by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), brought together government officials, women leaders, development partners and advocates to celebrate the contributions of women to national development while calling for stronger policies that advance women’s rights across Nigeria and Africa.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, led participants at the event alongside the Director-General of MBNCWD, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, and the keynote speaker, Dr. Tsgye Titilay.
The celebration featured cultural performances, panel discussions and goodwill messages highlighting the need for increased investment in women’s education, economic empowerment, leadership and social inclusion.
Speaking at the event, participants stressed that Pan-African Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the resilience and achievements of African women while encouraging governments, institutions and the private sector to strengthen efforts toward achieving gender equality and sustainable development.
The organisers said the inaugural Nigerian celebration reflects the country’s commitment to advancing the African Union’s vision of empowering women and girls as key drivers of economic growth, peace and national development.
The event ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations and development partners to create more opportunities for women and ensure their full participation in decision-making processes.
