Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pledged his administration’s full support to Senator Ipalibo Banigo, representing the state’s West Senatorial District in her efforts to advance women’s leadership and promote sustainable development.
The commitment came during Banigo’s induction as Life Patroness of the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), which coincided with the launch of AWLO’s 2026 magazine and the reopening of its Rivers State Chapter, a statement on the state government website reported on Sunday.
Represented by his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara described the honour as recognition of Banigo’s long-standing dedication to public service, her exemplary leadership, and her unwavering advocacy for women in the state, across Nigeria, and beyond.
He noted that her career, particularly in health governance and women’s empowerment, continues to inspire confidence and pride.
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Delivering a message on behalf of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Odu said Banigo’s work promoting women’s empowerment, family values, and national development has inspired women throughout Nigeria and Africa. She praised the Senator for her active participation in advancing African women’s leadership.
Banigo described the recognition as a great privilege and expressed joy at her feature in AWLO’s 2026 magazine, which celebrates women of character, competence, and consistency.
She commended Fubara for his visionary leadership in driving development in Rivers State and presented him with an AWLO Certificate of Recognition, awarded by Jewel Howard Taylor, Global President and Board Chairperson of AWLO.
Earlier, AWLO Founder and Global President, Elisha Attai, emphasised that nurturing women leaders of character and competence requires a sustained commitment to developing leaders who understand that leadership entails service, responsibility, and leaving a legacy.
The African Women in Leadership Organisation is a non-profit that brings together female leaders across Africa and women of African descent, aiming to enhance women’s leadership and promote sustainable development across the continent.
