A delegation of female Chief Executive Officers heading key Federal Government agencies, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where they pledged their commitment to the continued growth of the party and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The delegation, led by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, comprised 37 women occupying strategic leadership positions across federal government agencies and parastatals.

The visit served as a platform for the women to showcase their contributions to national development, express solidarity with the APC leadership, and advocate greater inclusion of women in the nation’s political structure.

Among those in the delegation were Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS; Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; Zubaida Umar of the National Emergency Management Agency; Binta Bello of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons; Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas of the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company; Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council; and Tola Akerele of the National Theatre Nigeria, among others.

During the meeting, the women highlighted their contributions to governance and grassroots development while emphasizing the pivotal role women play in strengthening the party’s electoral base across the country.

The delegation noted that women remain the backbone of political mobilisation in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level, yet often receive limited recognition and support in political structures and appointments.

They observed that despite their dedication to party activities and governance, women frequently face challenges including inadequate funding, limited political backing, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

The delegation reiterated that women constitute the largest voting bloc in Nigeria and remain instrumental in mobilising grassroots support for the APC.

They pledged their readiness to intensify mobilisation efforts nationwide as the country approaches the next election cycle.

The female CEOs also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for giving women significant opportunities to serve in leadership roles within government, noting that their appointments reflect growing recognition of women’s capabilities in governance.

However, they appealed for greater gender balance in political appointments and party structures to ensure broader representation.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dabiri-Erewa explained that the group came together to support one another and showcase the collective impact of women in government leadership.

She said the women were united in their commitment to support the APC and the administration of President Tinubu, adding that they were prepared to contribute actively toward the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.

According to her, the women believe strongly in the leadership capacity of the APC National Chairman and expressed confidence that his disciplined and inclusive approach would further strengthen the party.

Responding, the APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, commended the delegation for their leadership and for showcasing the contributions of Nigerian women in governance.

He congratulated them on their appointments and assured them of the party’s support, noting that women play an indispensable role in strengthening democratic participation and political mobilisation.

The APC Chairman emphasized the importance of visibility in politics and encouraged the women to participate actively in party programmes and activities.

According to him, increased participation and visibility would help amplify the contributions of women and provide greater opportunities for recognition and advancement.

He also assured them that the APC leadership would support initiatives aimed at promoting women’s involvement in political activities and governance.

Yilwatda further informed the delegation that the names of those who visited the party would be included in committees for the forthcoming APC National Convention, as part of efforts to ensure broader participation of women in party activities.

The APC Chairman encouraged the women to consistently publicise their achievements and programmes, noting that communicating their successes would help the party showcase the impact of the administration’s policies and strengthen public engagement with the electorate.

He stressed that mobilisation remains a critical component of political success and urged the delegation to continue engaging women across communities nationwide.

He also assured them that the party possesses a credible and technology-driven membership database, which can assist in identifying and engaging women at the grassroots level for mobilisation and political participation.

Reaffirming his support, Yilwatda assured the delegation of an open line of communication with the party leadership and pledged to work closely with them to strengthen women’s participation within the APC. The visit ended with a renewed commitment from both the APC leadership and the female CEOs to deepen collaboration, strengthen grassroots mobilisation among women, and consolidate support for the APC and the Tinubu administration ahead of future electoral engagements.