From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Women leaders and professionals have called for stronger commitment to empowering women and girls, saying deliberate investment in their development will strengthen families, communities and Nigeria’s overall progress.
The call was made in Ilorin during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), at the 303 Composite Group.
Chairperson of NAFOWA, 303 Composite Group, Hajia Marriam Lawal, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, achievements and contributions of women in homes, workplaces and national development.
She explained that the theme of the event, “Give to Gain: Leadership, Care and Justice for Women and Girls,” highlights the importance of deliberate support for women and girls as a pathway to sustainable societal growth.
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According to her, empowering women does not disadvantage others but strengthens families and communities.
“When we invest in women and girls, society as a whole benefits. Giving opportunities, support and protection to women does not diminish others; instead it strengthens families, communities and the nation,” she said.
Lawal noted that although progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, many women and girls still face challenges including inequality, injustice and limited access to opportunities.
She urged stakeholders to prioritise mentorship, leadership opportunities and support systems that would enable women and girls to realise their full potential.
“As women, we have a responsibility to mentor young girls, support one another and build a stronger and more inclusive society,” she said.
Lawal also encouraged young girls to remain focused on their aspirations, describing them as the next generation of leaders.
“To the young girls here today, you are the future leaders of our nation. Believe in yourselves, work hard, stay focused and never allow anyone to limit your dreams,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Kwara State branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim, urged women to intentionally invest in the growth of others, noting that personal success is often tied to helping others succeed.
She commended NAFOWA for promoting women’s empowerment and strengthening families within the Nigerian Air Force community.
“Behind every strong institution is a community of committed women working quietly but powerfully to build stability and progress,” Ibrahim said.
Explaining the concept of “Give to Gain,” she said giving does not necessarily mean losing, but rather multiplying influence and impact.
“When you share knowledge, it multiplies. When you encourage someone, confidence grows both theirs and yours. The more people you lift, the higher you rise,” she noted.
Ibrahim added that giving goes beyond financial support, as women often contribute through mentorship, guidance, encouragement and emotional support.
“When many people hear the word giving, they immediately think about money. But the most powerful gifts we give as women are often not financial. We give time when we listen to someone who needs encouragement and we give wisdom when we share lessons from our experiences,” she said.
Also speaking, retired Director of the Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies, Mrs Olaide Ajiboye, urged women to embrace leadership roles and focus on building stronger families and communities.
She stressed that women play a central role in nurturing future generations and shaping society.
“If women are not empowered, there will be no future workforce, no professionals and no citizens to sustain society,” Ajiboye said.
She also called for greater commitment to equality in education, especially for girls, noting that access to education is essential for empowering women to contribute meaningfully to society.
“We must demand equality in education. Every child, especially girls, has the right to primary, secondary and tertiary education,” she said.
Similarly, Group Human Resources Manager of Dele Group, Oluwatoyin Olaniyi, encouraged women to practise intentional mentorship and support for others as part of their journey to leadership.
“You have to be intentional with your actions and the way you treat the next person beside you. When you invest in people and support their growth, you are also building your own journey to leadership,” she said.
Olaniyi noted that success is achieved gradually and through consistent effort, urging women to share knowledge and create opportunities for younger generations.
“What have you done for someone that the person will forever be grateful for? Someone should be able to say that a conversation with you or advice you gave changed their story,” she said.
She added that empowering women ultimately strengthens families and contributes to national development.
“When happy women thrive, families become stronger. And when families are strong, the nation becomes stronger,” Olaniyi said.
