Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the APC National Women Leader, Mary Idele-Alile, have voiced their concerns over the limited presence of women in Nigeria’s political arena, stressing the need for greater support and empowerment for women aspiring to leadership positions. Speaking at an Abuja event titled “Empowering APC Women for Leadership and Nation Building” on Saturday, the First Lady urged Nigerian women to actively support each other and break free from perceived limitations.
Tinubu emphasized that women’s participation in the upcoming elections is crucial, particularly in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes creating opportunities for women to flourish. She praised the APC for its strides in women’s representation but emphasized that more needs to be done.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women to thrive,” she stated. “We have seen increased representation of women in key roles within the party and government. This progress is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and unity of Nigerian women. Let us continue to push forward.”
Additionally, Tinubu encouraged the APC Women’s Leader, Mary Idele-Alile, to work with other APC women leaders to make a formal case to the National Assembly, advocating for legislation to secure a greater number of seats for women in the legislative body.
Emphasizing the principles of effective leadership, Tinubu advised women to lead with integrity, hard work, and compassion. “A true leader takes responsibility. When we achieve success as women, it benefits us all; when one fails, it affects us all. Let us uplift each other and aim to succeed together.”
Mary Idele-Alile highlighted the APC’s ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive support systems to bolster women’s leadership potential in both public and private sectors, focusing on mentorship, networking, and resource provision. She reaffirmed the party’s dedication to gender equality, noting that empowering women is not only a social necessity but also an economic one.
“Studies show that countries with greater gender equality experience higher economic growth. By investing in women’s leadership and providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities, we are investing in a brighter future for all,” Idele-Alile emphasized.
Earlier, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele commended President Tinubu for his consistent support for gender equity, a sentiment echoed by several distinguished attendees, including the Vice President’s wife, the First Lady of Gambia, National Assembly members, and party stalwarts.
The event underscored the APC’s commitment to enhancing women’s representation and highlighted the impact of women’s empowerment on fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusive development in Nigeria.
