NILOWV RIVERS STATE KICKS OFF 2026 WITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT CORPUS CHRISTI CATHEDRAL PORT HARCOURT.
The Rivers State chapter of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) launched its 2026 activities in a grand celebration of faith and purpose on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. Members of the non-partisan women’s empowerment organization, united in purpose and dress, processed before the congregation to dedicate the year’s initiatives to God, seeking divine guidance, protection, and blessings for their mission to advance women’s political participation and rights across the state.
Led by Ambassador Dr. (Mrs.) Ruth Davies Ibiamu, Chairperson of NILOWV Rivers State, the celebration was followed by the first executive meeting of the year at her residence in Old GRA, Amadi Flats, Port Harcourt. Addressing journalists afterward, Dr. Ibiamu outlined the organization’s key priorities for the year, highlighting drives to mobilize women for active civic engagement, encouraging them to obtain or update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and strengthening NILOWV membership. She affirmed that the organization has cemented its position as a lasting force for gender advocacy in Rivers State.
Dr. Ibiamu called on political stakeholders—including parties, leaders, and decision-makers—to prioritize inclusivity by allocating more elective positions to qualified women. She noted that women, who turn out in large numbers to vote and support campaigns, remain underrepresented in leadership positions. “Women contribute immensely during political activities, especially by coming out en masse to cast their votes on election days,” she said. “It is time for them to be given their rightful positions in elective offices.”
She urged women across the state to rally behind and vote for the APC female candidate contesting the Khana State Constituency in the upcoming bye-election, reinforcing NILOWV’s commitment to supporting gender-sensitive and credible electoral processes. Reflecting on the service, Dr. Ibiamu said: “We have gone to church to commit our activities for the year into the hands of God. As we pray for His guidance and protection, we rededicate ourselves to empowering women politically and ensuring their voices are heard in governance.”
Continuing its early-year momentum, NILOWV Rivers State had also conducted a focused sensitization program on Friday, February 6, 2026, for the girl child. The team visited the University of Port Harcourt Women Association Secondary School (UPWA, Uniport), delivering lectures and discussions on the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), educating young girls on their rights, health, and protection from harmful traditional practices.
Through these faith-driven and community-focused initiatives, NILOWV continues to champion women’s full inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape, building on its national legacy of non-partisan advocacy for gender equality and democratic participation.
— By Emeka Amaefula
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