NO WOMAN, NO NATION – DR. GANDUJE LEADS CHORUS OF PRAISES FOR PROF. HAFSAT GANDUJE AS WOMEN TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN PARIS.
Paris, France – Saturday, 19 April 2025
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In a moment of profound emotion and powerful symbolism, the leadership transition of the APC France Chapter became a platform not only for political continuity but for a bold reaffirmation of women's value and voice, both within the party and society at large. Amidst a packed auditorium filled with dignitaries, party faithful, and community leaders, one name resonated with resounding admiration: Her Excellency, Hon. Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje.
Throughout the event, women from various parts of France, elegantly clad in vibrant ankara, lace, and gele, rose again and again in unified applause whenever her name was mentioned. Their admiration was visible, their voices firm. They sang praises and held placards of solidarity, paying tribute to a woman they described as a "matron of quiet power and enduring influence.”
Hon. Dr. Mary Alile, the APC National Woman Leader, led the celebration of Prof. Ganduje’s impact, describing her as a beacon of education, advocacy, and mentorship to women across Nigeria. “Prof. Hafsat Ganduje is not just the First Lady of Kano. She is a first-class example of what it means to use one’s platform to build people, not power. Her legacy is woven into the lives of the countless women and girls she has inspired,” Hon. Alile declared, met by thunderous applause.
But perhaps the most heartfelt tribute came from her husband, His Excellency Hon. Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, APC National Chairman, who in a heartfelt speech praised his wife’s intellect, compassion, and quiet strength — using the occasion to send a clarion call to all men.
Standing at the podium, His Excellency Hon. Dr. Ganduje paused and looked across the sea of eager faces, many of them women, young and old, before declaring, “No woman, no nation. No man, no problem.” The words hung in the air, bold and stirring. “Behind every great nation is a strong, respected, and empowered woman. And behind every successful man is a woman who believed in him before the world did.”
The crowd erupted. Even the men in the hall stood in admiration, many clapping and nodding in solidarity. Some held up fists in agreement, while others whispered to their neighbours about the relevance of his message, especially in today’s political landscape.
Hon. Dr. Ganduje went on to encourage his fellow men to not only support their wives and daughters but to actively advocate for their recognition in public, private, and political life. “Let no man be afraid of a strong woman,” he said. “Our daughters should be senators, ministers, and chairladies, not just observers in the background. When a woman leads, she leads with empathy, discipline, and results.”
The incoming Chairlady of APC France, Hon. Hajiya Musa Baba Suzuki, in her acceptance speech, saluted Her Excellency Prof. Ganduje as one of her role models. “She is the epitome of grace and grit. I draw strength from her footsteps and wisdom from her quiet leadership. I pray that I too may leave a legacy that uplifts women wherever they are,” she said, her voice both steady and emotional.
As the ceremony drew on, the recurring tributes to Prof. Hafsat Ganduje were no mere formality. They were woven into the heart of the event, a clear reflection of the growing recognition of female leadership within APC’s structure, especially in the diaspora.
A particularly memorable moment came when a group of women leaders from the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo communities in France joined hands on stage and led the audience in chanting: “Long live our mothers. Long live our leaders!” They presented a symbolic plaque to Dr. Ganduje, addressed to Her Excellency, with the words:
“To the First Lady of Influence;Your light reaches across oceans.”
It was not simply a celebration. It was a declaration: that the future of Nigeria, and indeed the world, cannot be built without the inclusion, respect, and empowerment of women.
As the evening sun fell upon the streets of Paris and the programme came to a close, one message remained emblazoned on the hearts of all in attendance: The era of sidelining women is over. The era of honour, equity, and inclusion has begun.
Stay tuned for full coverage of the Handover Ceremony on Saturday, 19 April 2025.
Visit: https://apcfr.com
Signed,
Hon. Yusuph SALAM
Director of Publicity and Media
APC France Chapter
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