The Federal Government has positioned empowerment as the central theme of the National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally 2026, with Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, declaring that the initiative is designed to strengthen the collective voice and agency of women across the country.
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Speaking ahead of the rally taking place at the MKO National Stadium in Abuja, the Minister described the event as a defining moment for women’s mobilisation under the theme “The Power of 10 Million, One Voice, One Movement, One Choice.” She noted that a major highlight of the gathering will be the presentation of the Women’s Charter to Oluremi Tinubu, who is attending as Special Guest of Honour.
According to her, empowerment remains the driving force behind the initiative. “The backbone of this movement is empowerment. When women are empowered, they have a stronger voice and can make clear, credible choices, and that is what you are about to see now. We women in Nigeria do not gamble. We put our mouth where our money is,” she stated.
She stressed the need for unity and a more coordinated political direction among Nigerian women, pointing out that fragmentation has previously weakened their collective influence. “We are in dire need of a rejuvenated, refreshed women’s movement in Nigeria. This movement is simply to help us come together as one, speak with one voice, energise our movement, and choose our choices and block. That is what it is about,” she said.
On governance and political alignment, the Minister made clear that women are increasingly focused on backing leaders who demonstrate commitment to gender inclusion and equity. “In the past, we were all over the place. We do not have a direction of votes. But this year, women, we are going for the people that we know are HeForShes, people that support the women’s cause, people that understand what we want as women, people that understand inclusivity, and people that understand fairness, equity, and justice,” she added.
She also reaffirmed support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his administration represents a turning point for women-focused governance. “We have seen that light at the end of the tunnel. We have seen someone who champions the causes of women, in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. And we will not take it for granted,” she said.
Clarifying the broader expectations of the movement, the Minister emphasised accountability and partnership. “What we want is the right kind of governance. We want accountability. And we are going to hold our partners in progress and prosperity accountable and we are going to move with them,” she noted.
On the socio-economic impact of empowering women, she highlighted the ripple effects on national development. “When women have money, we will have better nutrition outcomes. We will have better social outcomes. And that is what holds the women back. This is democracy. Democracy is about interest. Where does our interest lie? It lies where we are going to be supported as women,” she said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress and Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Zainab Ibrahim, described the rally as a long-term movement rather than a one-off event. “This movement is a collective and a continuous movement. This movement is going to uplift all of us. It is our movement, our children, and the next generation,” she said.
She projected the rally as a historic turning point, emphasising the importance of unity among women nationwide. “From the 5th of May 2026, the voices of the Nigerian women are going to be one. It is going to be in unison. We cannot be separated again. Our numbers are enough to intimidate anybody. But because we are not together, because we are not united, we are not able to move and achieve what we want,” she stated.
Reinforcing the call for cohesion, she warned against internal divisions. “This movement of 10 million women, one choice, is the beginning of the emancipation of the Nigerian women. Let us remain focused. Nothing should distract us. Nobody should come between us until we achieve what we want to achieve,” she added.
In her remarks, Doubra Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), highlighted the gap in women’s political representation despite their capacity. “We have women that have the capacity; they have the brain. They have what it is to be in governance. How many senators do we have in the National Assembly? How many in the House of Representatives? How many women are there?” she queried.
She further described the platform as an opportunity to amplify women’s voices both nationally and globally. “This is an opportunity, a platform that we have created for the voice of women to be heard. Cut across the world, Nigeria and the world at large,” she said, expressing confidence that the initiative would achieve its objectives.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the rally is expected to draw over 35,000 women from across Nigeria, cutting across political affiliations, in what organisers describe as a unified front aimed at advancing women’s empowerment, inclusion, and a stronger collective political voice.
