By| Helen Adeyi, Abuja
The 3rd PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC 2026) concluded in grand style in Abuja, bringing together over 300 delegates, more than 15 speakers, and over 50 guests of honour for two days of impactful engagement under the theme “The Dynamic Woman: Shaping Tomorrow — Influence, Impact, Legacy.”
Held from April 15 to April 16 at the Blanc Event Centre in Abuja, the convention featured a vibrant mix of breakout sessions, panel discussions, awards, and cultural showcases, capped each evening with colorful gala nights celebrating heritage and unity.
The convention focused on equipping women with the knowledge and experience required for leadership, while recognizing individuals for exceptional contributions to the advancement of PENGASSAN women.
Among those honoured were Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Comrade Jerry Amah, Acting General Secretary of PENGASSAN, amongst others.
Delivering a virtual address, Beatrice Eyong of UN Women in Nigeria urged participants to move beyond participation to influence, challenging them to translate lessons from the convention into tangible actions.
She emphasized the importance of supporting income-generating initiatives and advocating for increased female representation in leadership, including the push for special seats for women.
Also speaking, Dr. Adebayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stressed the importance of intentionality and structure in achieving influence.
“Pedigree is not picked up from the street; it is what we become,” she stated, urging participants to transition “from convention to commission and commitment.”She stated.
Day two of the convention featured thought-provoking breakout sessions from various zones.
The Lagos Zone explored the theme of influence, highlighting the distinction between having a seat at the table and having a voice at the table. Their session emphasized communication, presence, and the power of calm engagement.
The Port Harcourt Zone focused on Energy Transition and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, describing ESG as a global imperative shaping industries and communities. They stressed sustainability as the pathway to the future.
Kaduna Zone presented a multi-generational mentorship framework, emphasizing intentional support systems across all career stages. Their message, “We don’t just rise, we raise,” underscored a collective commitment to lifting others.
Warri Zone addressed resilience and personal mastery, encouraging women to maintain high energy standards, embrace setbacks as growth opportunities, and balance ambition with well-being.
At the end of the presentations, Kaduna Zone emerged as the overall winner, receiving a personal donation of one million naira from Comrade Festus Osifo. Additional cash prizes were awarded by PWAC Chairperson Maryann Ada, with Kaduna Zone receiving ₦400,000, Port Harcourt ₦300,000, Warri ₦200,000, and Lagos ₦100,000.
The convention concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by PWAC Secretary, Comrade Chidima, marking the end of a landmark gathering that reinforced the role of women as drivers of influence, impact, and lasting legacy.
