PanAfrican Women Project Rounds Off Sensitization Tour Across Anambra Senatorial Districts

… Visits Agboedo Market, Nnewi

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The PanAfrican Women Project, a South Africa–based non-governmental organization committed to promoting good governance and sustaining democracy, has concluded its statewide sensitization campaign across the three senatorial districts of Anambra State, with a visit to Agboedo Market in Nnewi, today.

The exercise, which culminated on Friday, was aimed at encouraging traders—particularly women—to actively participate in the forthcoming governorship election and to shun electoral malpractices such as vote trading and violence.

Led by the organization’s Head of Mission, Dr. (Mrs.) Eno Ben Udensi, the campaign train had earlier visited major markets including Eke Awka Market, Ose Market and Onitsha,

Speaking during the concluding session, Dr. Udensi emphasized that women were key drivers of democracy and social stability, noting that “women control the market and constitute the highest voting population.”

Citing the example of Malawi, where women account for over 54 percent of registered voters, she said Nigeria could achieve a similar democratic progress if more women became involved in the electoral process.

“As mothers, you can influence your children and shape their choices. Democracy has come to stay, and women must embrace it. Go and collect your old or new voter cards. Be involved so that you can benefit from governance,” she urged.

Dr. Udensi decried the growing trend of vote-buying, describing it as a destructive practice that undermined democracy and mortgaged the nation’s future.

“Only in Nigeria do people still sell their votes. When you sell your vote, you sell your child’s future. What will ₦20,000 do for you today? Is it for recharge cards or data? Women are worth more than peanuts. Even $20,000 cannot buy your conscience—it’s an insult to womanhood,” she said.

She further cautioned mothers against allowing their children to be used for electoral violence, warning that the consequences could be dire.

“Do not let your sons be lured to snatch ballot boxes. When the system destroys your child, the politicians will not replace him. Stand firm, rise up, and make a difference,” she added.

Throughout the campaign, facilitators from the PanAfrican Women Project reiterated that democracy thrived only when citizens—especially women—exercised their civic rights responsibly.

The organization, which has monitored elections in 17 African countries, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening democratic participation and amplifying women’s voices in governance across the continent.

Dr. Udensi disclosed that feedback gathered from Anambra State would be forwarded to the organization’s headquarters in South Africa for broader advocacy and programme development.

At the Agbedo Market Nnewi stop, the leader of the market women, Mrs. Uche Onyeluzo, revealed that the market accommodated over fifty thousand women traders. She appealed for empowerment programmes and the establishment of a health centre within the market.

She narrated a recent incident where a female trader went into labour in the market but lacked access to immediate medical attention, and she implored the organization to assist in that regard.

The Chairman of Agboedo Market, Mr. Chukwudi Oranekwu, also thanked the NGO for the enlightenment visit and assured that the message would be communicated to the grassroots.

A lively question-and-answer session followed, during which the women engaged the facilitators and received practical responses on electoral participation and women’s empowerment.

Answering questions from the traders—especially on whether they could become members of the organization—Dr. Udensi replied in the affirmative.

She also allayed their fears about possible scams, assuring them of the NGO’s credibility and urging them to verify the organization’s track record and reputation.

The event ended in songs and praises, with the market women pledging to mobilize others to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote responsibly in the upcoming election.

The deputy head of mission of the NGO, Ms Bontle Matjila, thanked the facilitators for the success of the event