NILOWV @ 30: "Women Are Not Merely Voters, Women Are Leaders" - Blessing Michael

Women should no longer be seen only as voters during elections but must be recognized and supported as leaders and nation builders.

By Umar Faruk

This was the strong message of the Chairperson of the League of Women Voters Nigeria, NILOWV, Kebbi State Chapter, Blessing Michael, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the organization.

The anniversary celebration took place on Saturday at the premises of Kebbi State Television in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital. Delivering her anniversary address, Mrs Michael said three decades of NILOWV's existence has been a story of resilience and service to women and democracy in Nigeria.

She said, "Thirty years is not just a number. It represents three decades of commitment, courage, service, advocacy, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of women to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation." According to her, the League in the last 30 years has worked to promote civic education, voter awareness, women participation in politics and protection of women's rights.

She noted, "Through its work across communities, the League has continued to give women a stronger voice and encourage them to take their rightful place in decision-making at all levels." Mrs Michael admitted that the journey has been challenging but the League survived through the sacrifice of its members and partners.

She stated, "Our journey has not always been easy. We have faced political, social, economic, and institutional challenges. Yet, through every challenge, the League has continued to move forward." She expressed gratitude to the patron of the organization and wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, for her motherly and financial support.

She said, "We want to specially thank the wife of the Executive Governor who is also the patron of this organization for her unwavering support. This organization wouldn't have succeeded without your support."  Speaking on the future, the Chairperson said Nigeria needs women who are educated, economically empowered and politically conscious.

She declared, "The Nigeria of the next 30 years requires women who are informed, courageous, educated, economically empowered, politically conscious, and ready to participate in shaping the future of our country."  She emphasized the central theme of the anniversary, stressing that women must move from the background to the frontline of leadership. She stressed, "Our message must be clear: women are not merely voters, women are leaders, decision-makers, nation-builders and partners in development."

She further called for a stronger, more inclusive and technology-driven League that will cater for the needs of young women and girls. She added, "The next 30 years must be even more impactful than the first 30. May NILOWV continue to be a powerful voice for women."

In her goodwill message as Mother of the Day, the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, lauded NILOWV for its role in promoting women's voice in governance and democracy. Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Halima Hassan Kamba, congratulated the League and pledged the continued support of the state government to women development programmes.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by various women groups including the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, by its Chairperson Hajiya Hasana Abubakar Koko; the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, by its Secretary Maryam Mahamud; the National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, by its Secretary Maryam Koko; and the Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA, by Hajiya Hasana Ibrahim.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a paper on Voter Education by the Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Kebbi State, Malam Muhammad Nasiru Karofi.

The celebration was well attended by women leaders, members of NILOWV, government officials and representatives of civil society organizations.