As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerate Action,” Senator Ireti Kingibe stands out as a dynamic force in Nigeria’s political and social landscape, spearheading efforts to empower women and foster inclusive governance.
A distinguished senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Kingibe has remained unwavering in her commitment to equitable development and gender inclusion.
On this International Women’s Day, in recognition of the strong advocacy efforts of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Senator Kingibe paid a landmark visit to the leading advocacy organisation . Her visit underscores her dedication to addressing pressing housing challenges and advocating for policies that prioritize inclusivity.
During her visit, she called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes, particularly in housing, governance, and economic development. “Women must be given a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect their lives. Gender inclusion is not a privilege but a necessity for national progress,” she emphasized.
With a strong professional background in engineering, Kingibe has defied traditional norms to rise as a formidable voice in politics. Born into a culturally diverse family, she speaks Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo fluently, symbolizing the unity she champions. Her educational journey led her to the University of Minnesota, where she obtained a degree in Civil Engineering, before embarking on a remarkable career in both the public and private sectors.
Her political career began in 1990 when she joined the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), serving as an adviser to the party’s national chairman. Fueled by a vision for a better Nigeria, she later joined the Labour Party, securing the FCT Senatorial seat in the 2023 general elections. Her historic victory made her the second female senator to ever represent the FCT, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics.
True to her promise of impactful leadership, Kingibe has been instrumental in addressing infrastructural deficits and community development in the FCT. Recently, she commissioned the construction of the 0.6-kilometer Ishan Road in Karu, a satellite town in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, this project represents her commitment to providing basic amenities for her constituents. “This is just the beginning,” she stated at the commissioning ceremony. “I am here to ensure that the FCT sees more developmental projects that benefit the people.”
Beyond infrastructure, Senator Kingibe has taken bold steps in healthcare and education. In Gwagwalada, she led the groundbreaking ceremony for a 50-bed hospital in Dobi, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the community. She assured the people that within a few months, they would have access to quality healthcare. Additionally, she joined students of the Abuja School for the Deaf in Kuje to celebrate their Cultural Day, demonstrating her inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.
Her grassroots engagement remains unwavering. In Kawu, Bwari Area Council, she met with the District Head, who highlighted pressing challenges such as bad roads, dilapidated schools, and youth unemployment. In response, Kingibe pledged to prioritize employment opportunities for the youth, enhance infrastructure, and improve access to essential services.
As Senator Kingibe continues to push for transformative policies and tangible development projects, her leadership sets a precedent for women in governance. Her advocacy for gender equality, community empowerment, and infrastructural development aligns with the global call to “Accelerate Action.”
As Nigeria charts its course towards a more inclusive future, Senator Ireti Kingibe remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of progressive leadership.
