"In her opinion, talking to the Taliban about reconciliation is a mistake, “another short-term quick fix that will do nothing to solve the world’s problems.” She advises her daughters not to be afraid of anything in case she doesn’t make it back home one day: “I live this life so that you — my precious girls — will be free to live your lives and to dream all of your dreams.”"

"I announced 'Jehad' - a movement to represent the silent majority to raise controversial issues that most people feel afraid to speak about. It liberated me from the corrupt politics that I had witnessed. I decided to stand apart and away from the mainstream of the rotting political system and the deficient and self-serving politicians that consumed our national wealth and exploited our people."

"In her letter to her mother, Koofi writes: “I learnt from you that literacy alone is not enough to bring up good children, but intelligence, patience… and self-sacrifice. This is the example of Afghan women, women like you who would walk miles with an empty stomach to make sure your children get to school.”"

"Feudalism was a licence to plunder, rape and even murder. The rich got richer; the poor despaired."

"I believe in Nigeria’s potential to truly be a great nation; the giant of Africa and indeed, a giant in the world."

"Citizens who understand the power they have to elect and hold those in public office accountable can truly move mountains!"

"I believe there is power in the words that we say, and our words have enough creative power such that what we say and believe in our minds & hearts shape our reality."

"I believe very deeply that Nigeria should and will be great. I believe I deserve better."

"We must stop looking outside of ourselves for a messiah but look inward, making a conscious decision to play our parts in the puzzle."

"It is so obvious that the Nigerian society is not committed to the wellbeing of the girl child going by the spate of sexual violence on girl children in recent time and the high level of abandonment and threat to the education and health of the girl child."

"There is no country that can prosper if a quarter of its population is left behind. And the wellbeing of girls amounts to the wellbeing of the country."

"Education still remains the quickest way to liberate a mind and no amount of talk can do this if we fail to educate the girl child. I also believe that laws protecting the girl child must not only be enacted but must also be enforced. And we must ensure compliance."

"When there is justice, fairness and equity. When human rights are guaranteed and when the system works."

"This is unacceptable! Nigeria is a democratic country under the law and not a dictatorship or banana republic."

"Women generally speak the same language – silence, and breaking this culture is what a few women have tried to do. A lot of women are not empowered and they allow themselves to be used by politicians as cheer leaders. They bring them to clap at political rallies."

"Freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of movement are some of the fundamental human rights granted to Nigerian citizens by the 1999 Constitution as amended... We, therefore, condemn the shooting of Sowore as barbaric and an infringement of his rights under the law."

"It is very, very important that in as much as we try to protect the rights of those who believe in same-sex marriage, we still have to let them understand the consequences in terms of the health hazards and all that, but, if it is their own choice, there is really nothing one can do about it."

"Despite the overwhelming pushback against gender equality, I encourage young women and girls to remain resilient and hopeful for the holistic change we are working to create."

"I anticipate a day in my lifetime when women and girls can thrive and take up space in all socioeconomic and political spheres of society without fear of violence."

"If your voice is not part of shaping what black philanthropy is, we will be impacted by what other people develop."

"So many people struggle with where do I start from even when they want to make a difference."

"Women are way ahead of men in terms of wanting to be social change makers."

"I call on governments, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to prioritize the rights and well-being of women and girls in COVID response plans."

"We have a strategic role to play in breaking that financial and growth ceiling."

"Start wherever you are and just do your little bit and that little will match up with somebody else little bit. Before you know it we have a wide level of impact."

"In 5 years I believe that we will be showcasing a lot of lucrative innovations that were created by Africans for Africa."

"Despite the challenges to women’s and girls’ empowerment, young women and girls must remain resilient and hopeful for the holistic change we are working to create."

"The educational institution, as a citadel of learning, should not be a place where societal constructs are amplified or embraced."

"we will get more funding and financing if we collaborate because we will prove that Africa is the place where people should invest."

"I don’t think we would have been so hard on the woman if we stopped tying acts of service to gender."

"I love my femininity and would always embrace and enhance as best I can, but I believe that shouldn’t box me or constrain me to a set of rules."

"I am not saying we should disregard sex differences, i am only advocating that boys and girls be given equal opportunities to develop themselves as standing up straight to pee doesn’t necessarily make anybody smarter, or dumber."

"My father taught me integrity while my mother taught me to be industrious, hardworking and disciplined. My husband, Dr. Iko Ibanga, is another person who has taught me to strike a balance between my pioneering, result-oriented spirit and loving people sincerely. He is one man that brings beauty out of relationships."

"When men and women combine and form close bonds, we’re stronger and more effective, like a bundle of broomsticks connected together by a single cord."

"I am all out for teaching young girls and inspiring women to break away from age-long societal norms, constructs, and stereotypes that have limited their progress by showing them that they can do anything and be whomever they choose to be regardless of society’s dictates."

"We are mothers we are life-givers and we are solution bearers we think that we should bring solutions to the table rather than dwell on the problem."

"For the sake of peace, it is important to build a community of women with one purpose and work for the overall well-being of the people notwithstanding their religious and tribal affiliations."

"We want to do away with the walls that divide and separate us, whether it's the walls of social class or the wall of ethnicity, or the walls of religion."

"Being a gender advocate is definitely not for the faint hearted."

"I am a lawyer (in equity), vocal girls’ rights advocate, and an unapologetic feminist."

"My motivation and drive in life is God. I have a personal relationship with Him. And my hunger for the impossible quickens something in me to rise to the occasion and make it possible."

"I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO: Men need to feel like they are good providers for the people they love. If they believe anything less, they don’t perceive themselves as the man they should be. As such, when they are told that you’re thankful for their hard work, effort, and for providing, it means a tremendous deal to them."

"YOU LOOK GREAT: This one’s a no-brainer, right? After spending a significant amount in a relationship, they still love hearing that our partner finds them attractive. This is particularly the case if they’ve been putting in some time at the gym. Your compliments serve as a reward for their hard work and as motivation to keep them going."

"I RESPECT YOU: As men age, They have less of a need to be recognized for selfish reasons . This feeling is replaced by the need to feel respected out of love. They love feeling admired and respected from the people who love and care about them!."

"YOU ARE MY DAD: It’s less of an ego-boost as it is a verbalization of respect. It’s a testament to both our efforts and our priorities – which are the woman and her well-being."

"I APPRECIATE YOU AS A MAN: Men need to feel like men.. It has everything to do with knowing that their partner appreciates something about their character (honesty, integrity, selflessness, etc.) or something else."

"I TRUST YOU: There are fewer things more sacred than trusting someone with your life. When you’re in a relationship, this is an essential truth. Here’s a bit of advice from Georgianna Donadio, Ph.D., “The best time to share your feelings (is) just before or during close intimacy. At that time, levels of oxytocin, a hormone that enhances feelings of trust, love and intimacy, are elevated, making it the best moment to love talk with your partner."

"I am not scared of lifting other women up. As long as I wear the crown, no one can take my throne."

"You can’t boldly say you have succeeded in life till you help someone who can never pay you back."