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IWD 2025: Valentine Ozigbo Celebrates the Power and Resilience of Nigerian Women

On this International Women’s Day 2025, we join the world in celebrating the extraordinary women who uplift our families, strengthen our communities, and drive our nation forward. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role women play in all spheres of life, from the home to the highest echelons of power, business, and innovation. Their strength, resilience, and determination shape our present and future, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of nations, including Nigeria.

As we reflect on the importance of gender equality, it is essential to acknowledge the incredible contributions women continue to make in every corner of the globe. In particular, we draw inspiration from the women who have shattered ceilings and redefined what is possible, paving the way for future generations. These trailblazers—whose names resonate across the world—serve as symbols of the immense power and potential that lies within every woman. Among these pioneers, we celebrate the likes of:

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: The first African and first woman to lead the World Trade Organization, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements have become a beacon of hope for African women aspiring to lead at the global level. Her perseverance and strategic leadership have shown the world that African women are more than capable of taking the reins in global institutions, thus redefining international diplomacy and economic governance.
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: An acclaimed writer whose powerful narratives have ignited a global feminist movement, Chimamanda’s voice has been a rallying cry for the rights of women and girls everywhere. Her storytelling transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, inspiring women to embrace their voices and power. Through her books and public speeches, she has continued to challenge societal norms, urging us to rethink the roles women should play in society.
• Arunma Oteh: A visionary leader who redefined leadership in global finance, Arunma Oteh’s work in investment banking and the Nigerian capital markets has broken barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her influence in global financial institutions is a testament to the power of women in business, proving that there is no glass ceiling too high when driven by passion and competence.
• Owen Omogiafo: A trailblazer in corporate Nigeria, Owen Omogiafo has made waves as one of the leading women reshaping the corporate landscape. As the president of Transcorp, she has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in Nigeria’s business sector, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations of female leaders.

These iconic women are not just figures of admiration; they represent the limitless possibilities for women everywhere. However, beyond these global icons, there are millions of unsung heroines whose quiet and tireless contributions are just as crucial to the success and stability of our communities. These are the women whose efforts often go unnoticed but whose impact cannot be overstated.

• The market women: They wake before dawn, working tirelessly in bustling markets across Nigeria. These women sustain their families and contribute to the economy through their small businesses, often under harsh conditions. Their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit are the bedrock of the informal economy, yet their work is rarely acknowledged.
• Doctors and nurses: These women are on the frontlines of healthcare, saving lives in hospitals and clinics across the country. Whether in public or private healthcare institutions, they face overwhelming challenges, including limited resources and high patient numbers, yet they remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives and providing care.
• Teachers: In classrooms across Nigeria, women are shaping the future by educating the next generation. They face a myriad of challenges, from overcrowded classrooms to insufficient teaching materials, yet they continue to serve as the backbone of our education system, imparting knowledge, values, and the hope for a brighter future.
• Mothers and sisters: Perhaps the most important role of all, women continue to pour their strength into raising the next generation, nurturing our children, and providing the emotional and psychological support needed to ensure their success. Whether at home or in the community, women are the primary caretakers who ensure the social fabric of society remains strong.

From the boardrooms to the classrooms, the frontlines of all professions and vocations, to the heart of our homes, women are the driving force behind progress. They face challenges—both systemic and cultural—yet continue to rise, surmounting immense odds to bring comfort, grace, and encouragement to their families, communities, and workplaces. In every sector of society, women are making a significant impact, even if their stories are often left untold.

A Personal Reflection on the Role of Women in My Life

For me, this celebration is profoundly personal because of three incredible women who fill my life with exceptional and unending grace: my mother, my wife, and my daughter. These women have shaped who I am, and their support, love, and sacrifices continue to inspire my journey every day.

My Mother: The Foundation of My Journey

My mother’s sacrifices laid the very foundation of my journey. From the very beginning, she worked relentlessly to ensure that I had every opportunity to succeed. Her tireless dedication, love, and care set the stage for everything I have achieved. She taught me the values of hard work, integrity, and selflessness. My mother’s strength has been the quiet engine of my personal and professional growth, and I am forever indebted to her for the lessons she imparted.

My Wife, OJ: A Pillar of Support

My wife, OJ, has been my unwavering support throughout this journey. She fuels my purpose with her encouragement, love, and wisdom. Her presence in my life is a constant reminder that behind every successful man is a powerful woman. Her resilience, intelligence, and compassion inspire me every day to strive for excellence in all that I do. OJ’s role in my life goes beyond being a partner—she is my confidante, my strongest ally, and the love that sustains me through the trials and triumphs of life.

My Daughter, Chioma: The Future Embodies Hope for an Equal World

Finally, my daughter, Chioma, represents the future I hope for—a world where gender equality is not just a slogan but a reality. Her bright mind and boundless potential remind me every day that we must continue to fight for a world where every girl has the opportunity to achieve her dreams. Chioma’s future is the embodiment of the hope I have for a world where all women and girls can thrive in an environment that supports their ambitions and nurtures their growth.

The Importance of Gender Equality

On this International Women’s Day 2025, as we rally around the theme “Accelerate Action,” we acknowledge that gender equality is not just a buzzword or a lofty goal. Gender equality is a fundamental necessity for a just and prosperous society. It is a human right, and the key to unlocking the full potential of our nations. Unfortunately, at the current rate of progress, it will take five generations to achieve full gender parity. This is unacceptable. We cannot afford to wait.

We must act now.

The time for inaction has passed. If we are serious about accelerating progress, we must come up with impactful policies and urgent actions that include women in leadership roles across all levels—from the top of the pyramid to the girls born today.

We must challenge the deeply ingrained barriers that continue to hold women back, including gender-based violence, inequality in pay, lack of access to quality education, and the exclusion of women from decision-making processes. We must demand fairness in the workplace, in politics, and in every aspect of society. It is crucial that we create opportunities for every woman and girl to rise, lead, and thrive.

Building a Future of Empowerment

The first step in creating a truly equal society is making provisions to accelerate the education of the girl child. Education is the key that unlocks a world of opportunity for girls. It equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices, participate in the economy, and lead in their communities. We must ensure that every girl, no matter her background or circumstance, has access to quality education, free from discrimination.

Additionally, we must provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and financial support to enable women to thrive in entrepreneurship, business, and leadership. Technology, too, plays a crucial role in empowering women and girls. We must make technology accessible to all, ensuring that women are not left behind in the digital revolution.

Policies that guarantee equal pay for equal work, protect women’s rights, and ensure their safety and dignity are non-negotiable. Women should never feel unsafe in their workplaces, homes, or communities. Only when we ensure the safety and dignity of women can we truly say we are on the path to achieving gender equality.

The time has come to push for these policies and enact real change. Together, we can build a future where women and girls have the rights, equality, and empowerment they deserve. We can create a society where gender is no longer a barrier to success but a source of strength.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

On this International Women’s Day 2025, let us not simply celebrate the women who have come before us but commit ourselves to accelerating action for those who will come after us. Let us work together to build a society where all women and girls have the opportunity to lead, grow, and thrive.

We have the power to change the trajectory of history. The time to wait is over. The time to act is now.

Together, let’s #AccelerateAction. Let’s create a world where every woman and girl can reach her full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025!