From the left are Chioma Ibeji, Njideka Echeogu, Mama NAGAFF, Kate Adesuwa Oghagbon, Scholar Dike, Idongesit Ifot, Alice Oluwasegun Umoh and standing is Barr. Temitope Oyedija as she spoke to participants.
As the celebration of the International Women’s Day continued, the Lumen Impact Communications Media in conjunction with Corporate and other Media Partners on Saturday organised the International Purple Amazon Conference to celebrate the roles of women in Nigeria.
The event took place 15th March, 2025, at the Alumni Hall of the Yaba College of Technology with women from various professional backgrounds coming in to celebrate the achievement they have made over time.
Notable names such as Mrs. Chioma Ibeji, Deaconess Kate Adesuwa Oghagbon, Njideka Echeogu, Idongesit Ifot, Barrister Temitope Oyedija, the representative of the chairman of the occasion, Scholar Dike and many other women were in attendance.
The history of the people of Nigeria will not be complete without mentioning the contributions of such great women as Queen Amina of Zazzau (1533 to 1510), Iyoba Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie of Benin city (1504 to 1550). She is the one who’s face is on the world’s most famous mask, the Idia mask which was also used as the symbol of FESTAC 1977.
There were such Amazons as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti who was an educationists, a key figure in the fight for women’s right and against colonialism. There was Nwanyeruwa and the three Oloko ladies who led the Aba women right of 1929 against taxation and colonialism. Women like Hajia Sawaba Gambo, Grace Alele-Williams, the first woman professor of mathematics in Nigeria and also the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin who played very vital roles as women, both as individuals and people who were part of pressure groups.
In a paper presented by the chairman of the International Purple Amazon Conference, AC Nkeiruka Ijeoma Nwala ably represented by Scholar Dike, 'Themed' “X-Raying the Extraordinary Accomplishments of Women in Shaping the Country’s History”.
In her statement, “Today, we do not merely celebrate history, we illuminate the often-overlooked narratives, the silent yet seismic contributions and the relentless spirit of the women who have built, defended and guided our nation. We x-ray their journeys—not just to acknowledge them but to draw strength and inspiration for the future”.
“In Politics and Leadership: Women like Ngozi Okonji-Iweala have made progressive efforts and transformed governance. They have redefined diplomacy, led peace movements, and ensured policies that uplift entire communities. In Education: Women have fought for the right to learn and in turn, have become educators, intellectuals, and thought leaders shaping minds across generations. In the Economy: Women, like DCG C. K Niagwan and DCG B. U Nwafor have been the backbone of commerce and industry, from market women fueling trade to CEOs driving innovation in the global economy, we have them all”.
Mrs. Ibeji also exhorted the women participating in the conference as she advises “To every woman in this room, your story matters. Your contributions shape history. Keep in room: Be allies. Be advocates. Be part of the movement for equity and justice and thank you as you continue to support the women in your lives and all over the world”.
The guest speaker of the day, Barr. Temitope Oyedija in her speech stated that,
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, we do more than just celebrate—we take a deep and deliberate look at the extraordinary accomplishments of women in shaping Nigeria’s history. Like the penetrating gaze of an X-ray that reveals what lies beneath, we must examine and illuminate the often-overlooked contributions of Nigerian women—past and present”.
“Throughout our history, Nigerian women have been warriors, leaders, activists, and visionaries. Their hands have shaped economies, their voices have demanded justice and their resilience has kept families and communities together”.
She mentioned the roles of Queen Amina, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Gambo Sawaba in the history of Nigeria and noted that “These CC confined by the limitations placed upon
them. They stepped forward when history called, ensuring that Nigeria would be stronger, freer and more just”.
Barrister Oyedeji made a call to action, she said “To every woman and girl listening today, your voice matters. Your dreams are valid. You are the next chapter of this history. Stand tall, speak boldly, and take up the space that is rightfully yours. Nigeria needs your brilliance, your resilience, and your leadership.
The Time is Now. Imagine a Nigeria where the stories of women are not hidden but celebrated”.
“A Nigeria where every girl knows that she can be anything she dares to be. A Nigeria where equality is not an aspiration, but a reality. That Nigeria is possible—but only if we build it together. So today, let’s move beyond celebration. Let’s commit to action. Let’s ensure that the legacy of Nigerian women is not just remembered but expanded, so that future generations will look back on this era as a time when justice and equality finally took root. The time for change is now. Let’s make history together”, she concluded.
The conference had an interactive session where virtually every woman in the hall made input.
There was the general consensus that success has no gender and the womenfolk no longer need to wait for their male partners to give them all their material needs, but that women should explore and exploit all the available opportunities with the unique talents that they have been endowed with.
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