First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the APC national women leader, Mary Idele-Alile, have decried the low level of women in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking at a political event themed ‘Empowering APC women for leadership and nation building’ in Abuja on Saturday, Tinubu called on Nigerian women to rally around other women seeking elective positions, encourage them, and actively support them while also urging women to avoid creating imaginary limitations.
She said: “During this phase of nation-building, as women leaders, let us remember that we all have what it takes to make an impact in our various spheres of influence.
“Let us avoid creating imaginary limitations and focus on our potential by persevering, supporting one another, and working diligently. We can shape the future, let us do it right, one woman at a time.”
The First Lady who commended and praised the APC national women leader’s leadership, urged her to team up with other APC state women leaders to make a presentation to the National Assembly to further push for legislation to increase the quota of women that must have seats at the assembly.
She added: “The next election is for the Nigerian women. The Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women to thrive.
“We have witnessed increased representation of women in key positions within our party and government. This is proof of the hard work, resilience, and determination we exhibit as women and we must continue to push forward in unity.”
She admonished the women on the principles and qualities of good leadership, especially by women, which include integrity, hard work, and compassion.
She noted: “A leader who cannot apologise for their wrong is not worth being a leader. When you get into the office, you must look out for your fellow women all the time. When one woman succeeds, we all succeed and when one woman fails, we all fail.”
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Earlier, Alile stated that her leadership has created comprehensive support systems for women and aims to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources that will ensure their success both in politics and private lives.
While acknowledging the successes so far, the national women leader, often described as ‘Capacity’ said the party is just getting started, and the possibilities are endless.
She said: “The success stories we are beginning to see are not just numbers; they are lives transformed. Women who are stepping into their power, pursuing careers, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
“In the present, we stand at a crucial crossroads. While we have made significant strides, we must acknowledge that the battle for gender equity is far from over. Women continue to face barriers in leadership roles across all sectors—politics, business, and community.
“We cannot afford to overlook the potential that lies in empowering women. When women lead, communities thrive. Diverse leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the needs of our society.”
Alile noted that the party’s leadership commitment to empowering women is not just a moral imperative; but 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 tools and opportunities to succeed, we invest in a brighter future for all,” she stressed.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele commended President Tinubu for consistently demonstrating a commitment to gender equity.
The event had in attendance the Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, the First Lady of the Gambia, National Assembly members, and other party stalwarts.
