President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to empower Nigerian women through the renewed agenda of hope, describing women as crucial for the construction of the nation.
Speaking in the ninth edition of The Voice of Women Conference & Awards (Vote 2025), held on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria, Tinubu, which was represented by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Grahim, praised the resilience and contributions of the Nigerian women to national development.
“Our Nigerian women always supported and resistant, as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, greet the ninth edition of the Voice of Women Conference. The history of our nation is incomplete without the strength of its women,” Tinubu said.
Guided by this year, ‘Nigerian women and the power of collective action’, emphasized that their administration is resolved to empower women as protectors of families, innovation promoters and catalysts to build an economy of one billion dollars.
Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed the president’s message, describing the issue as “timely and timeless.”
He pointed out that women remain the backbone of the nation’s resilience and the avant -garde of their future.
“Under the firm leadership of Mr. President, we are still committed to unlocking all the potential of Nigerian women as builders of families, company leaders and the key drivers of national renewal,” said Shettima.
The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Arbahim, in his opening speech, highlighted the importance of the bill of reserved seats, describing it as a strategic need instead of an act of benevolence. She said that the bill would align Nigeria with international best practices and institutionalize the participation of women in government.
He praised President Tinubu for prioritizing women, children and vulnerable groups through the renewed agenda of hope, and applauded the leadership of the tenth national assembly for supporting the bill.
The coordinator of the Conference and VOW Awards, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, urged President Tinubu to guarantee the approval of the bill of reserved seats, saying that history would remember its administration and the tenth assembly as champions of women’s rights.
“His leadership is necessary to convert promises into policies and words of return with action. The approval of the bill is a crucial step to promote gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Sonaiya said that base women have the largest voting block, but often have their political choices shaped by men, asking for a stronger collective action among women, regardless of political, ethnic or economic differences.
Also speaking, the president of the Women’s Voting League, Irene Awunah-Ikygh, raised concerns about the growing deaths of political leaders, particularly in the state of Lagos, warning that insecurity, stress and intimidation continue to discourage public service women.
“When women are absent in governance, our democracy weakens. When leadership becomes a cemetery for women, who will dare to walk along the way tomorrow?” She asked.
Read too Main stories OF Nigerian tribe
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos