Nigeria Program Honors Women and Families
- May 28
- 2 min read
Abuja, Nigeria – To celebrate the International Day of Families, UPF-Nigeria held a commemorative event in Abuja on May 28, 2026, focused on the United Nations’ designated theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The program also formed part of UPF’s third 100 Days Campaign of Hope and Peace, focused on “100 Days of Community Service.”
The event opened with introductory remarks by Dr. George Charles Ikpot, secretary general of UPF-Nigeria, followed by a presentation introducing UPF’s global mission. The program included readings of statements from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the president of UPF-International, Dr. Tageldin Hamad, reaffirming global attention to family inequality and child wellbeing.
A key feature of the event was a lecture delivered by Dr. Ikpot titled “Peace Building and Community Services Among Women,” which highlighted the central role of women in sustaining peace at the community level. He emphasized women as inherent bearers of value, created as equal partners in the fulfillment of God’s providence, and underscored their essential role in building peaceful families and societies. Drawing on the UPF founders’ teachings, he highlighted motherhood, character education, and service-oriented leadership as foundational to restoring harmonious communities.
A testimony was also shared by barrister Ms. Esther Omaka, who reflected on her engagement with UPF’s international activities and women’s peace initiatives, noting the transformative influence of UPF principles on her professional and advocacy work. She expressed appreciation for the global network of women ambassadors for peace and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s leadership in peacebuilding.
A significant highlight of the program was the induction of five new ambassadors for peace: Dr. Yvonne Onyinye Afolabi, Dr. Ticky Igho Blessing, Ms. Ibe Tilda Ngozi, Ms. Marlene Onyeocha-Okolie, and Dr. Boniface Okechukwu. Two of the inductees delivered acceptance remarks expressing gratitude and commitment to peace and service, with two also serving as co-sponsors of the event.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer offered by a Muslim woman participant, reflecting the interfaith character of the gathering and UPF’s commitment to religious harmony. Overall, the program reinforced the importance of family stability, women’s empowerment, and community service as essential pillars for peacebuilding, while strengthening engagement within UPF’s ongoing global campaign for peace and development.
