The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid glowing tribute to women of the Niger Delta region, acknowledging their resilience, leadership, 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, described women of the region as the backbone of families and communities, noting that their sacrifices and strength have continued to sustain harmony across the South-South geopolitical zone.
The statement, titled “Hurray to Our Phenomenal Women of the Niger Delta!”, celebrated mothers, sisters, and daughters of the region for their historic and ongoing contributions to national development.
“On the occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) warmly salutes our mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Niger Delta, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria,” Igali said.
He added:
“From the time of our revered matriarch, Margaret Ekpo, till date, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate your extraordinary contributions as the very nexus of the growth, progress, and development of our region.”
The PANDEF chairman noted that the resilience of women in the oil-rich region has been critical in maintaining peace despite long-standing challenges, including 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.
He continued:
“Despite the painful paradox of contributing immensely to the national revenue base, vis-à-vis the glaring infrastructural deficits and pervasive environmental degradation in our region, our mothers have remained steadfast. Through strength, wisdom, and sacrifice, you have continued to nurture families, strengthen communities, and weave the enduring foundations of stability, unity, and peace in our societies.”
PANDEF also aligned itself with the global theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
According to Igali, the theme reflects the outcomes of the recently concluded 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where women leaders from across the region gathered to amplify their voices and push for greater inclusion in governance and development initiatives.
“PANDEF identifies strongly with this year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.’ This resonates deeply with the outcomes of the very successful 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference, which held in Yenagoa on 4th March 2026, where the voices, aspirations, and leadership of Niger Delta women were once again boldly affirmed,” he stated.
Igali further assured that the forum would continue to collaborate with governors of the Niger Delta states and other stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that advance the welfare and empowerment of women.
“PANDEF will continue to work closely with our Governors and other stakeholders to prioritise all matters relating to the advancement, protection, and inclusion of our women at every level of society, recognising that the progress of our region is inseparable from the empowerment and wellbeing of its women,” he said.
He concluded by celebrating the courage and enduring impact of women in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
“On this special day of global recognition, we celebrate your courage, your resilience, and your enduring contributions to the Niger Delta and to our nation,” Igali said.
“Once again, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy, proud, and meaningful celebration.”