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- Participation
By Justina Auta
Abuja, Oct. 6, 2026 (NAN) Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development has urged Nigerian women to embrace informed, responsible and purposeful participation as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of “Rising Beyond Borders,” a book authored by Dr Esther Uduehi, Founder and Board of Trustees Chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV).
She said women’s empowerment should go beyond participation to building the capacity, confidence, knowledge and economic independence needed to influence national development.
“A truly empowered woman is not merely mobilised; she is informed.
“She is not merely counted; she is heard. And she is not merely present; she participates meaningfully,” she said.
According to her, political and economic empowerment must advance together to enable women make independent choices and influence policies affecting their families and communities.
She described the proposed 10 million platforms as a vehicle for connecting women across Nigeria and strengthening grassroots civic engagement.
“The real power of such a platform lies in its ability to connect women at the grassroots with one another and with the institutions that shape their lives,” she said.
The minister said the platform would enable women to understand public policy, participate responsibly in democratic processes and transform collective concerns into constructive civic engagement.
She said the approach aligned with the theme, “One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to her, the slogan represents unity across ethnic, religious, regional and socio-economic divides, encouraging women to make electoral choices based on issues, values and national development.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, let every Nigerian woman understand that her civic responsibility extends beyond election days.
“It includes being informed, engaging constructively, demanding accountability and contributing to the development of her community and nation,” she said.
The minister also encouraged young women and girls to draw inspiration from Rising Beyond Borders and pursue leadership without allowing circumstances to limit their aspirations.
She urged policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen women’s economic capacity, leadership development and inclusive institutions.
Earlier, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), described women’s participation in governance as essential to democratic development.
Sulaiman said democratic participation extended beyond contesting elections to responsible voting, engaging public institutions, demanding accountability and educating citizens.
He reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to partnering organisations promoting inclusive participation and strengthening democratic institutions.
Prof. Funmi Para-Mallam, the book reviewer, described “Rising Beyond Borders” as a compelling reflection of the Nigerian woman’s experience, capturing the complexities, limitations and realities that shape the journey from birth through adulthood.
She said the book traces the author’s evolution from a young Nigerian girl to a woman navigating the intricate demands of culture, education, marriage, motherhood, career, leadership and social change, while demonstrating resilience and purpose in overcoming life’s challenges.
Dr Esther Uduehi, author of the book urged Nigerian women to remain determined, support credible female candidates and inspire others to participate actively in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She said the central message of the book was that determination could help people overcome every obstacle.
“There’s never a limit to where you can go in life, if determined. And if you are determined, let nothing stop you. Let no border hinder you.”
On her part, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, NILOWV National President, said the book presentation marked the beginning of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebration.
She described Rising Beyond Borders as an important record of women’s struggles and achievements, urging universities and women’s organisations to adopt it as a resource for leadership, democracy and gender studies.
Awunah-Ikyegh also renewed support for the Special Seats for Women Bill, saying greater female representation remained vital to Nigeria’s democratic development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
English (US) ·