Shettima, Sulaiman-Ibrahim to speak at voice of women conference in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to speak at the 9th edition of the annual Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025).

The event, with the theme ‘Nigerian Women & The Power of Collective Action’, will hold on October 2, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a statement on Monday, Emmanuel Olonade, the platform’s communications officer, said this year’s conference will bring together grassroots and urban women, policymakers, and leaders across various sectors to harness the power of collective action in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Olonade said VOW2025 will spotlight the strength of women’s unity in driving transformative policies and sustainable progress.

“Building on the achievements of VOW2024, which emphasised women’s inclusion for a sustainable Nigeria, this year’s conference deepens the conversation by showcasing how collaboration across class, region, and sector is key to lasting impact,” the statement reads.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya, the convener, said VOW2025 is not just a gathering but a movement, reaffirming that when women act together, they become a formidable force for equity, justice, and nation-building.

“Irrespective of political affiliation, economic status, ethnic background, faith, age, ability or disability, women must support women,” Sonaiya said.

“Only then can Nigerian women move from passive participants in governance and leadership to becoming the decisive force that shapes it.”

The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Speakers and guests will include Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa; Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives; Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives; Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs and social development; and Gill Lever, British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria; among others.