Nigeria and African Women: 2026 Is Not Waiting for You , Start Preparing for It Now

Nigeria and African Women: 2026 Is Not Waiting for You ,

Start Preparing for It Now

By Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda

Dear Women of Nigeria and Africa,

I am sending you this message directly and intentionally today, for a reason: 2026 is not waiting for you.

Time does not pause for hesitation, excuses, or fear. If you wait for the new year to arrive before you begin to plan, you will spend that year reacting to situations instead of shaping your destiny.

Now—not January—is the moment to prepare.

 Former American First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” 

 Stop Living Reactively

Many women live at the mercy of circumstances—economic pressure, social expectations, family demands, and systems that were never designed in their favour. But you were not created to merely cope; you were created to lead, influence, and transform.

Preparation moves you from survival to strategy.

Ask yourself now:

What must change in my life before 2026?

What skills must I acquire?

What mindset must I release?

What vision must I commit to?

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou

Plan with Confidence, Not Fear

A woman who plans ahead walks boldly. Preparation builds confidence, clarity, and courage. Write your goals down. Develop yourself mentally and professionally. Strengthen your voice. Build networks. Save, invest, and learn.

Do not wait for permission to grow.

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey

Africa Needs Prepared Women

Nigeria and Africa do not need silent, hesitant women. They need women who are ready—ready to lead in governance, business, education, advocacy, technology, and community development.

Your preparation today is your power tomorrow.

“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

My Charge to You

As 2026 approaches, I challenge you to act deliberately:

Start preparing now.

Refuse to drift.

Move from reaction to intention.

Choose growth over comfort.

When 2026 arrives, let it meet a woman who is informed, equipped, courageous, and unstoppable.

Africa is watching.

Your future is calling.

The time to prepare is now.

Nigeria and African women, rise intentionally.

Plan deliberately.

Live victoriously.

Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda

President, Africa Regional Council of Women

Board Member, International Council of Women (ICW)