The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has celebrated women of the Niger Delta for their resilience, sacrifices and contributions to the development and stability of the region.
In a statement issued on Saturday to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, hailed women across the South-South geopolitical zone for what he described as their phenomenal role in sustaining peace and unity in the region.
Igali said from the era of nationalist icon Margaret Ekpo to the present day, Niger Delta women have remained a central force in the growth, progress and development of the region.
He noted that despite the socio-economic challenges confronting the Niger Delta, women in the region have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience in maintaining harmony within families and communities.
According to him, women have continued to nurture families, strengthen communal bonds, and contribute to social stability, even as the region grapples with infrastructure deficits and environmental challenges, despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s revenue base.
The PANDEF chairman said the organisation strongly identifies with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
He noted that the theme resonated with discussions and resolutions reached at the 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference, which was held in Yenagoa on March 4.
Igali said the conference provided a platform for women across the Niger Delta to reaffirm their leadership roles and articulate their aspirations for greater participation in regional and national development.
He added that PANDEF would continue to collaborate with governors and other stakeholders in the region to promote policies that advance the welfare, protection and inclusion of women in all sectors of society.
According to him, the progress of the Niger Delta cannot be separated from the empowerment and well-being of its women.
Igali, therefore, commended Niger Delta women for their courage, strength and enduring contributions to both the region and Nigeria.
He also urged them to continue playing active roles in peacebuilding, community development and the pursuit of social justice.
The PANDEF chairman extended warm wishes to women across the Niger Delta, urging them to celebrate the day with pride while continuing to inspire positive change within their communities.
