The All Progressives Congress (APC) South East Women have inaugurated the National Coordinating Committee for the2026 South East Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme, setting the stage for what organisers described as one of the largest gatherings of women in the region.

The inauguration, which was followed by a strategic media briefing in Abuja, officially commenced mobilisation across the five South East states ahead of the event scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Okpara Square, Enugu. The details were contained in a statement signed by Hon. Mary Ikoku, Chairman, Media, Protocol and Publicity Committee and member of the National Coordinating Committee for the APC South East Women Mega Rally and Empowerment 2026. Blueprint reports

The programme, themed “One Region, One Vision, Victory for Tinubu 2027,” is expected to bring together thousands of women from across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states for a regional empowerment programme and political mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

First Lady to lead dignitaries

Organisers said the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

Also expected are the Minister of Women Affairs, APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, South East governors and their wives, members of the National Assembly, ministers, party leaders, traditional rulers, market women, professionals, youth organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders from across the region.

According to the organisers, the event will also serve as a grand South East reception for the First Lady in recognition of her commitment to women’s economic empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Enugu State, under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will host the regional gathering, while the governors of the South East, led by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside their wives, are expected to join in receiving the First Lady.

Empowerment and mobilisation

The organisers said the programme would combine large scale empowerment initiatives with policy dialogue, healthcare outreach and leadership development for women.

Activities lined up for the event include the presentation of grants and start-up capital to traders, farmers and small business owners, distribution of skills acquisition kits, maternal healthcare education, health insurance enrolment support and leadership and political capacity-building programmes.

They added that beyond economic empowerment, the rally would also provide a platform for grassroots mobilisation in support of the APC and President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Ajih describes programme as defining moment

Speaking during the media briefing, APC South East Zonal Women Leader and Convener of the programme, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih, described the initiative as a landmark moment for women in the region.

She said the programme was designed to provide South East women with stronger platforms for participation in politics and economic development.

According to her, the rally demonstrates that APC women in the region are united, organised and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the political and economic future of the South East.

Ajih added that empowering women would strengthen communities, improve grassroots participation and contribute to national development.

Ekwunife seeks support for Tinubu

Former Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Uche Ekwunife, commended President Bola Tinubu for what she described as his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She urged women across the South East to participate massively in the August 18 rally and continue mobilising support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to her, the Renewed Hope Agenda has created opportunities that continue to benefit women across the country.

Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of the Tinubu Torch Bearers, Princess Gloria Akobundu, described the rally as a strategic platform for strengthening grassroots mobilisation and expanding women’s participation in governance and national development.

She said empowering women remains critical to building stronger families, communities and a more prosperous nation.

Preparations at advanced stage

Responding to questions from journalists, Hon. Mary Ikoku expressed confidence that preparations for the event had reached an advanced stage.

She said reports from various committees indicated that mobilisation across the five South East states was progressing smoothly, while logistics and coordination arrangements were on course for a successful outing.

Ikoku noted that the annual August Meeting has traditionally served as a symbol of unity, purpose and collective action among South East women.

She expressed optimism that this year’s gathering would build on that legacy by delivering greater impact through expanded empowerment programmes and broader participation.

Committee unveiled

The National Coordinating Committee is headed by APC South East Zonal Women Leader, Hon. Dr. Oby Ajih.

Other members include former Senator Uche Ekwunife, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Uju Kennedy, Princess Gloria Akobundu, Rt. Hon. Ginika Tor, Princess Anne Agomeze and Hon. Mary Ikoku, representing the five South East states.

The media briefing was attended by committee members, women leaders and stakeholders from across the region, including Dr. Lilian Obenwa.

The committee called on women across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to participate through their associations, cooperatives, professional bodies, faith-based organisations and community groups, describing the event as a defining regional movement for women’s empowerment, unity, grassroots mobilisation and shared prosperity.