Photo: PPUGI Group During Awareness Walk to Mark 2026 International Women’s Day
By Daniel Kanu
Editor
The Founder and Global President of the Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI), Ambassador Dr. Prevail Farida Ahmed, on Friday led members of the organisation and other stakeholders in commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day with a rallying call for increased female participation in governance.
Ambassador Ahmed urged women to remain prepared and equipped with relevant skills for opportunities, stressing that, “When opportunity meets a prepared woman, the result is usually a huge success.”
The accomplished Amazon and outstanding leader further stated, “You must know who you are. You must know who God is in order to discover your purpose.”
This year’s theme for the celebration is: “Give to Gain.”
The event, held at Taslim Balogun stadium in Lagos, featured a symbolic awareness walk, advocacy sessions, and goodwill messages from prominent clerics equally advocating for women’s empowerment.
Among dignitaries present were Islamic cleric Sheikh Abdulrahman Adangba and Prophet Eniobanke Enioluwa, alongside other notable guests.
Awards were also presented to outstanding, iconic women and organisations in recognition of their contributions.
The celebration began with a vibrant walk across major streets in Surulere, drawing attention to critical issues affecting women, including political exclusion, economic inequality, and gender-based violence.
Participants carried placards with messages advocating equal representation and respect for women’s rights. Some of the inscriptions read: “Her impact begins with meeting needs,” “Don’t raise hopelessness,” “Inclusion is power—women must be seen and heard,” “Support her vision, strengthen the nation,” “She gives life, she sustains peace, she builds nations—let her lead,” “Silence is not an option—be the change,” “She is not just a wife, she is a leader,” “She nurtures life, she can lead a nation,” and “Be ready, be equipped,” among others.
In her welcome address, Ambassador Ahmed emphasised the need for deliberate policies that promote inclusivity, urging governments at all levels to create opportunities for women to thrive in leadership positions.
She noted that despite women’s proven capacity to lead and deliver results, their representation in governance remains significantly low.
“We must build a system that intentionally accommodates more capable, competent, and audacious women,” she said.
“The progress of any nation is directly tied to how well it harnesses the potential of its women.”
While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their efforts in promoting women’s inclusion in governance, she appealed to them to further increase the percentage of female representation.
Speaking with journalists, Ambassador Ahmed described her vision for humanitarian service as “a divine call to selfless service to God, demonstrated through impactful humanitarian efforts across the world.”
Speakers at the event echoed the call for gender equality, stressing the importance of unity and sustained advocacy.
Participants included civil society representatives, local government officials, youth leaders, and women professionals, who shared insights on breaking systemic barriers and encouraging greater participation of women in leadership positions.
Encouraging women to strive for excellence, Sheikh Adangba highlighted the importance of mentorship and capacity building.
He noted that empowering young women with the right skills and confidence is key to preparing the next generation of leaders.
He also advised women to resist the temptation to complain, compare, or compete, adding that destiny is supreme and ordained by God.
He further called on men to be responsible, describing them as pillars in their families.
In his remarks, Prophet Enioluwa underscored the role of men as allies in the pursuit of gender equality, urging collaborative efforts to dismantle cultural and institutional barriers limiting women’s advancement.
He also offered prayers for participants, seeking divine intervention in their lives.
Prophet Enioluwa urged the women to always aim for the sky, and refuse to be limited or discouraged by barriers against their growth and vision.
The event provided a platform for networking and solidarity, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, progress, and unity through inclusive development.
The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration by PPUGI concluded with a renewed pledge by members to sustain advocacy efforts and work collectively towards building a more equitable society where women’s voices are not only heard but respected and represented.
The event was well attended as participants praised Ambassador Farida Ahmed for sustaining such laudable need-meeting, socially -relevant and service-oriented vision.
