IWD 2026: PANDEF Celebrates Niger Delta Women for Resilience

IWD 2026: PANDEF Celebrates Niger Delta Women for Resilience

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended women of the Niger Delta region for their resilience and contributions to peace and development as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Boladei Igali, paid tribute to women of the oil-rich region, describing them as the backbone of families and communities across the South-South geopolitical zone.

He noted that the forum recognises the historic and continuing role of women in the growth and development of the Niger Delta, saying their influence has remained significant from the era of nationalist and women’s rights advocate, Margaret Ekpo, to the present day.

“On the occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the Pan Niger Delta Forum warmly salutes our mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Niger Delta, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria,” Igali said.

The PANDEF chairman observed that women in the region have remained steadfast despite the numerous socio-economic and environmental challenges confronting communities in the Niger Delta.

He explained that although the region contributes significantly to Nigeria’s national revenue, it continues to grapple with infrastructural deficits and environmental degradation.

“It is common knowledge that the remarkable resilience of Niger Delta women has continued to sustain peace and harmony across our zone, even in the face of the stark contradictions our people experience within the national political and social landscape,” he said.

Igali added that women have played vital roles in nurturing families and strengthening communities through their sacrifices and leadership.

According to him, their commitment has helped to build the foundations of unity, stability and peace across the region.

The PANDEF chairman also said the forum strongly aligns with the global theme for this year’s celebration, **“Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”**

He explained that the theme reflects the outcomes of the 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where women leaders from across the Niger Delta gathered to advocate for greater inclusion in governance and development initiatives.

“PANDEF identifies strongly with this year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ which resonates deeply with the outcomes of the very successful 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference held in Yenagoa,” Igali stated.

He further assured that the forum would continue to collaborate with governors of Niger Delta states and other stakeholders to promote policies and programmes that advance the welfare, protection and inclusion of women in the region.

According to him, the development and progress of the Niger Delta cannot be separated from the empowerment and wellbeing of its women.