By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

A strong call for increased female representation in governance, including the creation of special seats for women, took center stage as the 3rd PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC 2026) wrapped up in Abuja.

Speaking virtually on day two of the convention, UN Women Nigeria representative, Beatrice Eyong, challenged participants to move beyond mere participation and embrace positions of influence. She urged women to translate insights gained from the gathering into concrete actions, emphasizing the need to support income-generating initiatives and intensify advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership spaces.

Eyong highlighted the importance of structural change, noting that deliberate policies such as special seats for women could significantly accelerate gender equity in decision-making.

Also addressing the convention, Dr. Adebayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stressed the role of intentional growth and structured development in achieving lasting influence.

“Pedigree is not picked up from the street; it is what we become,” she said, urging participants to move “from convention to commission and commitment.”

The two-day event, held from April 15 to 16 at the Blanc Event Centre in Abuja, attracted over 300 delegates, more than 15 speakers, and upwards of 50 guests of honour. Convened under the theme “The Dynamic Woman: Shaping Tomorrow — Influence, Impact, Legacy,” the convention featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, cultural showcases, and gala nights celebrating unity and heritage.

A major focus of the convention was equipping women with the tools and knowledge necessary for leadership, while also recognizing outstanding contributions to the advancement of women within PENGASSAN.

Among those honoured were Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Comrade Jerry Amah, Acting General Secretary of PENGASSAN.

Breakout sessions on the second day provided a platform for regional perspectives. The Lagos Zone examined the dynamics of influence, stressing the difference between occupying a seat and having a voice.

The Port Harcourt Zone addressed Energy Transition and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, underscoring sustainability as a global priority.

The Kaduna Zone presented a multi-generational mentorship model built on intentional support systems, while the Warri Zone focused on resilience and personal mastery, encouraging women to embrace challenges as growth opportunities.

At the close of the sessions, Kaduna Zone emerged as the overall winner, receiving a one million naira personal donation from Comrade Festus Osifo. Additional prizes awarded by PWAC Chairperson Maryann Ada included ₦400,000 for Kaduna Zone, ₦300,000 for Port Harcourt, ₦200,000 for Warri, and ₦100,000 for Lagos.

The PWAC 2026 convention ended with a colorful Gala Night.