Women in unique position to influence change, says First Lady
• Women converge on Abuja for Tinubu’s pre-2027 rally, empowerment First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said women play strategic roles in the country’s development. She noted that they occupy a
• Women converge on Abuja for Tinubu’s pre-2027 rally, empowerment
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said women play strategic roles in the country’s development.
She noted that they occupy a strategic position to influence change.
Mrs. Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 10-million rally and empowerment programme organised by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Iman Suleiman.
During the carnival-like event, women from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) converged on the 60,000-capacity MKO Abiola National Stadium.
The attendees included the wives of governors, female deputy governors, female ministers and female heads of agencies.
The First Lady, who was the guest of honour, described the gathering as historic.
She said it reminded her of the days of Hajia Laila Dogonyaro, a prominent northern Nigerian women’s rights activist, educator and social welfare advocate who fought for the girl-child education and women’s empowerment.
The elated First Lady thanked the organisers for invoking the spirit of unity amongst women, saying: “It’s because women have to come together in support of these issues that affect us. I think this is just the beginning.
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“We represent over 50 per cent of the population. Therefore, we are in a unique position to influence change and contribute our quota to the nation towards a greater future,” she added
Praising the Minister of Women Affairs for the various empowerment programmes her ministry had accomplished, Mrs. Tinubu said: “When women are empowered, they can make informed decisions about their lives; in turn, families and our communities.”
She announced that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “prioritises women’s inclusion in governance and shows that women have a seat at the table and a voice in the rooms when decisions are made”.
She added: “This is a commitment to every Nigerian woman, young and old, that your contribution is essential to our political and national prosperity.”
Senator Tinubu also thanked Nigerian women for believing in President Tinubu, saying: “Your patience, understanding, endurance, faith and commitment are truly appreciated.”
The First Lady noted that the seed of a prosperous nation has been planted through the various reforms.
She expressed optimism that in the days and years ahead, Nigerians would reap the fruits of the reforms.
Senator Tinubu, who received the women’s charter from the Minister of Women Affairs, promised to deliver it to the President.
She applauded the roles of the National Council for Women’s Society, Market Women Association, Network of Women with Disabilities, Women with Public Christian Association of Nigeria, Protection of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, The Children Women Diaspora, Women in Nigeria, Voices from Seventeen, Seventeen, Seven, Four, among others.
Hajia Suleiman said Nigerian women have never seen this level of attention from previous governments.
The minister noted that it was for this reason Nigerian women were throwing their weight behind President Tinubu’s 2027 aspiration.
She said: “In the history of Nigeria, we have never seen this level of attention and prioritisation. What a time to be a Nigerian woman! We know we must learn to do things together so that we can grow to love each other.
“One thing that a Nigerian woman has is her vote. We have the voting power, and we have to use it. This time round, we will use it to protect the number one he for she in the world.”
Hajia Suleiman listed some of the women empowerment programmes under the Tinubu administration.
The minister said all the women’s groups have come together to endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential poll.
“Because a Nigerian woman does not go home, we don’t know how to go home. We have water for the whole day. We have seen a man who believes in the Nigerian woman.”
She said the “movement” would go from state to state and from zone to zone “to empower the Nigerian woman”.
Hajia Suleiman added: “Everyone in Nigeria will have the footprints of Mr. President.”
Commenting on the women’s charter that was presented to the First Lady, the minister said: “This charter represents the collective voices, the aspirations, and strategic expectations of Nigerian women. It is not merely a document. It’s a social contract, a policy, a promise, a political arrangement of our place in the future of this nation. I shall say that within this charter, we call for greater political inclusion, increased representation, and strategic finances for many of our localists.”
