PANDEF Celebrates Phenomenal Niger Delta Women on International Women’s Day 2026

 








By Wilson Macaulay


The Pan Niger Delta Forum,  (PANDEF), has paid glowing tribute to the remarkable women of the Niger Delta as the world marked the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day. In a powerful message of appreciation and recognition, PANDEF described the women of the oil-rich region as phenomenal pillars whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership will continue to sustain the peace and development of the South-South geopolitical zone.

In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Godknows Boladei Igali, the foremost regional socio-political body celebrated the mothers, daughters, and sisters of the Niger Delta for their enduring commitment to the  Niger Delta struggle, growth and social harmony. PANDEF emphasized that the story of the region’s progress cannot be told without acknowledging the central role played by its women across generations.

The organization also invoked the legacy of legendary nationalist and women’s rights advocate Margaret Ekpo, whose courage and activism helped shape Nigeria’s democratic and social history. According to PANDEF, the spirit of determination embodied by Ekpo continues to inspire a new generation of Niger Delta women who are contributing meaningfully to governance, peacebuilding, education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

PANDEF noted that the resilience of Niger Delta women has remained a stabilizing force in the region, particularly in times of socio-economic and environmental challenges. Despite the stark contradiction of the region’s immense contribution to national wealth through oil resources and the persistent infrastructural deficits and environmental degradation faced by its communities, women have continued to demonstrate uncommon strength and resolve.

According to the forum, these women have played a silent yet powerful role in sustaining families and communities, nurturing future leaders and promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. Through their wisdom, patience, and selfless sacrifices, they have built enduring foundations for unity and social stability across the region.

PANDEF further aligned itself with the 2026 global theme of International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” The theme, the organization said, strongly echoes the outcomes and resolutions reached during the 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference recently held in Yenagoa, where women leaders and stakeholders from across the region gathered to reaffirm their commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusive development.

The conference, which took place on March 4, served as a platform for amplifying the voices, aspirations, and leadership capacity of Niger Delta women. Participants called for greater inclusion of women in governance, economic empowerment initiatives, and decision-making processes affecting the future of the region.

Reaffirming its commitment, PANDEF pledged to continue working closely with the governors of the Niger Delta states and other critical stakeholders to prioritize policies that advance the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women. The organization stressed that the sustainable development of the region is inextricably linked to the recognition, inclusion, and wellbeing of its women.

As the world celebrates the achievements of women globally, PANDEF concluded its message with warm congratulations to the women of the Niger Delta, describing them as shining symbols of courage, resilience, and hope whose contributions remain indispensable to the progress of the region and the nation at large.

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