Poor Electricity, Internet Access Hindering Progress of Rural Nigerian Women – Women Radio Chair

The Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Radio WFM 91.7, Toun Sonaiya, has said many Nigerian women particularly those living in rural communities face major barriers that prevent them from contributing fully to the country’s development.

Sonaiya made the remarks during the second edition of Nigerian Women’s Day, organised on the sidelines of the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City on Thursday.

The event, themed “31 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope,” was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of the Minister, Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim. It brought together members of the Nigerian diaspora, diplomats, gender advocates and global leaders, including the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

Speaking at the gathering, Sonaiya highlighted the difficulties faced by women, children and vulnerable groups across Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.

“Nigerian women, children, families and vulnerable people, especially in rural communities across the 774 local government areas, face significant challenges that limit their ability to contribute to national growth,” she said.

She identified key obstacles such as poor electricity supply, limited access to finance and internet services, inadequate healthcare, restricted educational opportunities and the low representation of women in leadership positions.

Sonaiya urged Nigerians both at home and abroad, as well as development partners, to support initiatives designed to empower women and strengthen communities. She noted that the ministry had launched several programmes under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 framework to support women and vulnerable populations nationwide.

Among the initiatives is PowerHer774, which aims to expand access to clean energy for one million women and their households across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Another programme, Women Agro Value Expansion, is designed to support three million women involved in agriculture.

Additional interventions focus on digital literacy for women and girls, child development programmes and projects aimed at improving women’s health and economic opportunities.

“Your positive contribution is like a piece of a jigsaw. Bit by bit, we will build a bigger and more positive Nigeria,” Sonaiya said while calling for collaboration between stakeholders and the government.

In her address, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the need for stronger global and domestic investments to advance women’s empowerment.

“Transforming women’s lives at scale requires sustained investment, strong partnerships and coordinated action,” she said.

“There is an urgent need for greater investment in women and girls, both domestically and globally. Women’s empowerment is not just a social programme it is an economic strategy, a security strategy and a development imperative.”

The event also featured a fireside discussion between the minister and Mohammed on Nigeria’s gender equality objectives and the global agenda for women’s empowerment.

Participants examined the challenges and opportunities facing women and girls across Africa and other regions.

Panel sessions addressed topics such as Global Leadership, Peace and Security for Social Impact; Women, Institutions and the Economy; and Positive Masculinity.

Speakers included the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Chairman of the National Population Commission, Aminu Yusuf; Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu; and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu.

The programme also featured cultural performances and presentations highlighting the growing role of women in leadership, innovation and social development.