From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerian women to rally round other women seeking for elective positions, encourage and actively support them.
In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women National Summit and Dialogue in Abuja with the theme, “Empowering APC Women for Leadership and Nation Building” said that the best person to understand a woman is another woman, pointing to herself as an example.
The event had in attendance the Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, First Lady of the Gambia, National Assembly members, State First Ladies, Deputy Governors, Women Leaders of the APC from across Nigeria and members of the diplomatic community.
“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,” Mrs Tinubu said.
The First Lady urged the National Woman Leader of the Party to team up with other APC State Women Leaders to make a representation to the National Assembly to further push for legislation to increase the quota of women that must have seats at the Assembly.
“The next election is for the Nigerian women. The Renewed Hope Agenda 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.”
The First Lady admonished women on the principles and qualities of good leadership, especially by women, which include, integrity, hard work and compassion.
“A leader who cannot apologise for their wrong is not worth to be a leader. When you get into 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,” she said.
Earlier, the guest speaker and Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended President Tinubu who she noted has consistently demonstrated a commitment to gender equity.
“This commitment has inspired a wave of new female leaders, fostering a more balanced representation in decision making processes that enrich our nation. Through these efforts, Mr President has not only elevated the role of women but also laid the groundwork for a legacy of inclusivity that will shape future generations.”
The APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele, in her welcome remarks highlighted the role of past heroines including Queen Amina, Emotan, Moremi among others and urged the women present to begin to tread the path of leaving legacies that would impact the future generations and the nation as a whole, positively.