With Nigeria preparing for the 2027 general elections, Catholic leaders in Abuja are calling on women to move beyond the role of spectators and become active participants in shaping the nation’s future. At the 2026 Catholic Women Organization Abuja Archdiocese (CWOAA) Day celebration, held at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church in Apo, clerics and women leaders delivered a unified message. Nigerian women must embrace leadership, politics, and governance with confidence and determination.
Leading the call was Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, who urged women to recognize the power of their numbers and their potential to influence national development. He described women as indispensable partners in building a stronger Nigeria and stressed that their voices and leadership are essential to the country’s progress.
In his sermon, Cardinal Onaiyekan encouraged women to use their God given talents in service to both the Church and the nation. Drawing from the biblical account of the mother of the Sons of Zebedee, he argued that women have every right to aspire to leadership because God created men and women to work together as partners, not competitors.
“The difference between men and women is clear, but that difference should never be interpreted to mean that women are less,” he said.
The Cardinal also highlighted structural barriers that continue to discourage women from participating in politics. He criticized the practice of political parties holding meetings late at night, noting that such arrangements place mothers and caregivers at a disadvantage.
“Nothing stops women from being in politics. However, political parties must change their style, such as scheduling meetings from midnight to 3:00 a.m., which disadvantages mothers,” he said.
He praised the Catholic Women Organization for creating opportunities that promote social, political, and economic development while expanding women’s participation in leadership. He further encouraged accomplished Catholic women in government, business, and the civil service to mentor younger women and help prepare the next generation of female leaders.
Rev. Fr. Victor Ogunyemi, Archdiocesan Chaplain of the CWOAA, reinforced the Cardinal’s message by urging women to begin preparing immediately for the 2027 elections. He encouraged them to register to vote, engage in the political process, and pursue elective offices without fear.
“The time when women remained at the backyard or in the kitchen has long gone,” he said. “Women need courage and tenacity. They must go all out to declare their qualifications and seek elective positions without fear or intimidation.”
CWOAA President Dr. Mabel Ilukwe highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to empower women, strengthen families, and contribute to national development through community focused initiatives.
She also unveiled the CWOAA Multipurpose Secretariat Project, an ambitious development that will include a 111 room Marian Hostel retreat centre, a chapel, an event centre, a crèche, and a 24 hour hospital with labour and surgical facilities. The project will also feature a Skill Acquisition Centre designed to equip unemployed women and young people with practical vocational skills, helping families achieve greater economic stability.
“Nation building starts right inside our homes, but we are not stopping there,” Ilukwe said. “We have doctors, engineers, bankers, and public servants among us, and we are stepping out to build the nation with pride.”
The celebration was hosted by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Thomas Edogbanya alongside Parish CWO President Mrs. Frances Chioma. It concluded with prayers for Nigeria and the presentation of awards to women whose years of dedicated service have made a lasting impact on both the Church and their communities.
As Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle, the message from the gathering was unmistakable. Women’s participation in politics is not merely an option. It is essential to building a more inclusive, representative, and prosperous nation.
By Umm e Habiba, Pakistan.
