- Akpabio, Remi Tinubu Hail Women’s Contributions To Nation Building
At the occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his administration will prioritise the welfare of women, protect their rights, and advance their causes.
International Women’s Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement.
At his maiden IWD celebration, Tinubu described women as the nation’s pivot in a statement signed by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President recognised the role of women in nation-building, emphasising that, without a scintilla of doubt, Nigerian women are elemental to the nation’s development, growth, and greatness.
“The President affirms that in every discipline and field of human endeavour, the standout achievements of Nigerian women have become a testament to the resilience, strength, courage, and ingenuity of all women across the world, as well as a mark of their exceptional quality as emissaries of hope and possibilities,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu notes that the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, fits well within his administration’s policy initiatives on educating and empowering women, not only through inclusion in governance, but also by ensuring that they remain relevant and unimpeachable voices in the development process across all sectors of the economy.
“The President states that his administration is focused on providing investments in educating the girl child, while fostering inclusive programmes and initiatives that bolster their active roles in the areas of knowledge, science, technology, research and innovation into the future,” the statement read in part.
On his part, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a statement issued to commemorate this day, Senator Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, lauded Nigerian women, recognising them as a full package and a special breed.
While eulogising the resilient spirit of Nigerian women, Akpabio appreciated their daily struggles and described them as resilient, industrious, and unwavering.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’ was apt because no nation succeeds without investing in women, as it is popularly agreed that “Train a woman, and you train a nation”.
Akpabio added that the theme was in tune with the thinking of the 10th Senate, which is working assiduously to enact laws that would increase girl-child enrolment in school, fight against sexual exploitation, and generally give what is due to the womenfolk.
He assured that the National Assembly under his chairmanship, will continue to advocate for the improved welfare of our women, adding that; “We are very conscious that failure to invest in women is akin to killing development and destroying a nation.”
“I wish to use the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day to proudly celebrate our women—mothers and sisters. On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I sincerely wish our women a peaceful and fruitful celebration.
“I must say you are the best, and I sincerely appreciate you.”
Meanwhile, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has advocated for more investment in women in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD).
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu argued that more investment in women would accelerate progress in all spheres of the economy.
She said, “This is the time to invest in women more than ever. Accelerating progress in any sphere requires that women have to be more involved.
“That is why I see investing in women, not as charity, but as a strategy to build the future of our dear nation, Nigeria. Equipping you with education, resources and opportunities to unleash your full potential, supporting your businesses, helping to dismantle economic barriers, and ensuring your voices are heard is a very crucial step.”
Themed ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’; Tinubu called for cooperation from every stakeholder across the economy, adding that every woman needed help as she created a pathway to progress.
She said, “Therefore, my question to all women is: What are you doing to help the other woman? How are you investing in her?
“Let us all come together, bond and love one another. This is the pathway to accelerated progress. I charge all women; just pull a sister up, one at a time. You will be amazed at what we can achieve collectively.”
Her call comes as the world celebrates the yearly IWD every March 8.
