By Comr. Emorhakpor Ogheneovo Timothy
Abuja, Nigeria — Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, the National Organising Secretary of the APC Women Campaign Organisation/Directorate of Women Mobilisation and Empowerment, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the political process, contribute to national development, and serve in his administration.
Hon. Akobundu gave the commendation following the Pre-Inaugural Summit and Women’s Empowerment Programme organised by the APC Women Campaign Organisation/Directorate of Women Mobilisation and Empowerment on October 5, 2026, at the Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The summit brought together women leaders, political stakeholders, party faithful, and other participants committed to strengthening women’s participation in politics, governance, and national development.
According to her, the establishment and restructuring of the women’s campaign organisation demonstrate the importance of building a more coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented platform through which women can contribute to the political advancement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the national development agenda of President Tinubu.
She noted that women have consistently played indispensable roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey, from grassroots mobilisation and community development to political advocacy, public administration, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.
However, she stressed that their contributions must continue to receive the recognition, encouragement, and institutional support necessary to enable them to participate fully in leadership and decision-making.
Hon. Akobundu expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing women with opportunities to contribute to his political vision and participate in the implementation of his administration’s policies and programmes.
She observed that empowering women politically goes beyond appointing them to public offices; it also involves creating platforms for them to demonstrate their leadership capabilities, contribute ideas, mobilise citizens, influence policy conversations, and participate in decisions that shape the future of the country.
According to her, the President’s support for women’s participation presents an opportunity for Nigerian women to strengthen their involvement in governance and demonstrate that inclusive leadership is essential to sustainable national development.
She maintained that women possess the organisational skills, resilience, administrative experience, and community connections required to support effective governance and successful political mobilisation.
Hon. Akobundu further emphasised that women must not be regarded merely as instruments for election campaigns but as strategic partners whose contributions remain important before, during, and after elections.
She called on women across the country to take advantage of the opportunities available to them by becoming more involved in party structures, policy discussions, community engagement, voter education, and grassroots mobilisation.
She also urged women leaders to translate the renewed focus on women’s participation into measurable achievements that would strengthen the APC, deepen democratic inclusion, and advance the interests of Nigerian women.
The National Organising Secretary also expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support for women, commitment to their empowerment, and advocacy for initiatives aimed at improving their social and economic well-being.
Hon. Akobundu described the First Lady as an important source of encouragement to women, particularly those seeking opportunities to improve their livelihoods, develop their talents, strengthen their businesses, and contribute more effectively to their communities.
She acknowledged the importance of empowerment programmes that equip women with the knowledge, resources, confidence, and practical skills required to become economically productive and socially influential.
According to her, women’s empowerment must be understood as a comprehensive process involving education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, leadership development, healthcare, and access to opportunities for personal and professional growth.
She noted that when women receive the necessary support, the benefits extend beyond individual beneficiaries to their families, communities, and the wider economy.
Hon. Akobundu therefore encouraged Nigerian women to continue supporting initiatives championed by the First Lady and to take advantage of available opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods, acquire relevant skills, and participate actively in national development.
She stressed that political participation and economic empowerment should complement each other, explaining that women who are economically stronger and better informed are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to governance and community development.
She also called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, political organisations, civil society groups, and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that women’s empowerment initiatives produce lasting and measurable outcome.
In a special appeal to women in the South-East and other parts of the country, Hon. Akobundu called on Ndigbo, particularly Igbo women, to participate actively and collectively in the nation’s democratic process and engage constructively with the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She emphasized that Nigerian women, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or geographical location, share common aspirations for security, economic prosperity, educational advancement, improved healthcare, and a future in which their children can thrive.
She urged Igbo women to recognise the importance of political participation and ensure that their voices are heard in discussions and decisions concerning the future of Nigeria.
According to her, the strength of a democratic society depends partly on the willingness of its citizens to participate in the political process, express their aspirations, engage with political leaders, and make informed electoral choices.
Hon. Akobundu encouraged Ndigbo to strengthen their engagement with national political institutions and seize opportunities to contribute to policy discussions, governance, entrepreneurship, and the development of their communities.
She called on women leaders, market women, traders, farmers, professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans, youths, and grassroots mobilisers to work together in promoting constructive political engagement.
She further urged women across the South-East, South-South, South-West, North-Central, North-East, and North-West to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, stressing that national development requires the participation of all regions and communities.
Hon. Akobundu expressed optimism that a well-organised and inclusive women’s mobilisation structure could encourage greater participation in the democratic process and strengthen the relationship between political leadership and citizens.
She appealed to Nigerian women to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, while encouraging them to mobilise peacefully, engage voters responsibly, communicate the administration’s policies accurately, and promote issue-based political participation.
She stressed that effective mobilisation should be founded on credible information, respectful engagement, and a clear understanding of the aspirations of the people.
Reflecting on the Pre-Inaugural Summit and Women’s Empowerment Programme, Hon. Akobundu described the gathering as an important opportunity to strengthen coordination, clarify shared objectives, and prepare women for more effective participation in political mobilisation and national development.
She noted that the transition from Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB) to the APC Women Campaign Organisation/Directorate of Women Mobilisation and Empowerment represents a renewed organisational focus on women’s participation, empowerment, and strategic engagement.
According to her, the success of the organisation will depend on its ability to establish effective structures, coordinate activities across the states and local government areas, strengthen communication, and maintain consistent engagement with women at the grassroots.
She emphasised that the organisation must move beyond ceremonial gatherings to practical programmes that empower women, encourage participation, develop leadership capacity, and establish measurable objectives.
As a member of the Planning Committee and Head of the Media Committee, Hon. Akobundu underscored the importance of strategic communication in promoting the organisation’s objectives, communicating approved information, highlighting women’s contributions, and ensuring that the voices of women are effectively represented.
She added that a strong communication framework would help connect national leadership with state and grassroots structures, promote unity of purpose, and communicate opportunities for women to participate in the organisation’s activities.
She also encouraged members to embrace discipline, teamwork, transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to the organisation’s mandate.
Hon. Akobundu concluded by reiterating that the future of Nigerian women must be built on opportunity, participation, empowerment, and the recognition of their contributions to society.
She reaffirmed her commitment to working with the National Leadership, women leaders, party stakeholders, and grassroots mobilisers to strengthen the APC Women Campaign Organisation/Directorate of Women Mobilisation and Empowerment.
She maintained that women should not be confined to the background of political activities but should be encouraged to occupy leadership positions, participate in governance, contribute to policy development, and help shape the country’s future.
She called on Nigerian women, particularly Ndigbo, to unite across political, ethnic, and religious differences, participate responsibly in the democratic process, and support the President’s re-election ambition through peaceful and constructive political engagement.
Hon. Akobundu expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the President, the First Lady, women leaders, and grassroots organisations could create more opportunities for women to contribute to national development.
She reaffirmed that an empowered woman is better positioned to support her family, strengthen her community, contribute to the economy, and participate meaningfully in building a stronger Nigeria.
Her message was clear: Nigerian women must move from the margins to the mainstream of political participation, transform empowerment opportunities into lasting achievements, and take their rightful place in shaping the nation’s future.
