The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the importance of inclusive political participation, calling for increased women’s representation in nation-building efforts.
Mrs. Tinubu made the call during the 774 Explode Programme, an empowerment initiative organized by the Office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Women Leader, themed, “Enhancing Gender Space in Politics”, which took place at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.
Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Mrs. Tinubu celebrated women’s invaluable contributions in nation building and growth, noting Nigeria’s low representation of women in elected positions and called for change.
She further emphasized women’s success in various sectors and advocated for economic empowerment, political participation and reserved seats for women to create more opportunities for them.
The APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile highlighted the stigma and cultural barriers that have discouraged women from political participation Nigeria, noting that the current generation of women is more determined and educated, and deserves a chance to contribute to decision-making.
In her welcome address, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, stressed the importance of women’s participation in politics to promote equality, justice, and development, calling for the dismantling of barriers like cultural norms and discriminatory laws to ensure women’s inclusion in decision-making.
Mrs. Anani emphasized that women’s participation in politics is not a competition but an inclusion that leads to more accountable governance and better decision-making.
The event was the empowerment of women, which included presentation of cash grants of ₦200,000 and certificates to each participant of the previously held workshop, and the distribution of empowerment grants of ₦50,000 each, and business equipment.
