**Nigeria Celebrates Milestone at CSW70 with High-Level Event in New York** The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria marked a significant milestone on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City on Thursday, 12th March 2026. The event, organized under the leadership of Honourable Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, brought together an extraordinary gathering of global leaders, ministers, diplomats, civil society leaders, gender advocates, entrepreneurs, artists, and members of the Nigerian diaspora for a full day of dialogue, culture, and high-level action. The event, themed "31 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope", underscored Nigeria's commitment to advancing gender equality not only within its borders but on the world stage. This commitment is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's mandate on women's rights, family resilience, and inclusive development. In her welcome address, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Radio, WFM 91.7, framed the day's agenda around women's leadership, innovation, and global collaboration. A specially commissioned opening film provided a visual portrait of women's leadership across institutions and borders. **Three High-Powered Panel Sessions** The event featured three high-powered panel sessions. The first, **Global Leadership, Peace & Security for Social Impact**, included panellists Abosede George-Ogan of WILAN, AIG Aisha Abubakar Baju, PhD, Enene Ejembi, Executive Director of Verbatim Virtual Solutions, and Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State. This session interrogated what it truly means for women to lead at the intersection of governance, peace, and global institutional power. The second panel, **Women, Institutions & The Economy**, convened a formidable group of women from the private sector and government, including Kafeel Olabiyi-Shittu, representative of the Bank of Industry, Dr Anino Emuwa of 100 Women@Davos, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, and Mary Jandora Sinjen, commissioner for women affairs and child development, Taraba State. This session drew on perspectives from finance, the legislature, and executive governance to chart pathways for women's economic leadership. The third panel, **Positive Masculinity**, featured Andrew Mamedu of ActionAid Nigeria, Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, and Amb. Bolaji Alade Akinremi, a seasoned diplomat; Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria; and Dr Aminu Yusuf, Chairman, National Population Commission. Dr Yusuf delivered one of the day's most candid and transformative dialogues, exploring how men can move beyond words to become active architects of gender justice. Internationally celebrated artist and human rights activist Laolu Senbanjo delivered a short presentation on how his art challenges societal norms and promotes positive change.