From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu at the Empower-Her initiative, highlighted the critical role of women in Nigeria’s development.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at Empower-Her: Nigeria for Women’s farming, health, empowerment, justice, entertainment and fundraising programme organised by the Women’s Affairs ministry, emphasised that the Programme marks a significant milestone in his administration’s journey towards gender equality and sustainable growth.
Tinubu praised women’s resilience and determination, stating that empowering them is essential for national progress. He recognised their contributions across various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare, and committed to advancing women’s rights and opportunities.
President Tinubu stressed the need for investments in agricultural training and access to land for women farmers, which are crucial for enhancing food security.
He also called for improved healthcare access to address disparities affecting women and girls.
Tinubu urged collaboration between government and private sectors to support initiatives like Empower-Her, asserting that empowering women benefits entire communities.
Tinubu said: “In our quest for justice and sustainability, we must ensure women have access to justice and protected from all forms of violence and discrimination, which requires strengthening our institutions, promoting gender sensitive policies, and supporting womens rural organisations.
“It is in view of this that this empower-her initiative solidly deepen the vision we have for our country. We must empower women not just for their sake but for the sake of our entire nation. When we have empowered families, communities are viable
“I call on us both in government and private sector to join hands and support and promote empower-her initiative, which has created an enabling environment for every woman in nigeria to fulfil her potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
He concluded with a message of hope, encouraging Nigerian women to stand tall and claim their rightful place in society.
“To the women of Nigeria, I say this, your voice matters, your talents are invaluable and your potential is limitless, stand tall, speak out the future of Nigeria lies in you, to build a Nigerian where every woman”
Meanwhile, Nigerian billionaire, Arthur Eze, has donated the sum of N100 million in support of Women Empowerment Programme, titled: EMPOWERHER: Women Health/Justice/Farming/Education/Support organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Speaking to news men at the State House Conference, Abuja he said, he was in support of what Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, was doing to empower women and girls.
“I am to be here to support the women, particularly the honourable minister. President Bola Tinubu had a vision as a brilliant man to locate this woman. She cares for the paper, she learnt from the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu who is going everywhere, both north and south in Nigeria, taking care of the poor, the women whether you are in the PDP, APC, APGA.
“So we must support them to change Nigeria. All of us our hungry. We inherited it not Tinubu. We pray to God to keep him alive so that he can change Nigeria and change the people.”
On what prompted him to donate N100 million, Eze said: “I have seen what this woman (minister of women affairs) did. The money is not for her but to help the poor. People have been dying for many years. Politicians have been putting the money in their pockets, building houses, towers everywhere in Europe and Abuja. What are they going to? Are they going to heaven or hell”.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, emphasized the importance of empowering women in Nigeria.
Represented by UBA’s CEO, Oliver Alawuba, Elumelu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Elumelu also acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s advocacy and Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye’s commitment to addressing gender inequality.
He highlighted the crucial role women play in agriculture, contributing over 70% of the labor force, yet facing challenges in accessing resources.
UBA’s commitment to gender equality was evident in its 50% female board representation, 40% female senior management, and 59% female graduate management trainees.
The bank has also provided 78% of its working capital loans to women-led businesses.
Elumelu stressed that empowering women is not only morally right but also economically beneficial, citing the potential $12 trillion increase in global GDP by 2025 if the gender gap is closed.
He urged collective action from individuals, organisations, and the private sector to support women’s empowerment.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, reiterated that there will be no more consultancy secrecy in development partner projects in the country.