Oluremi Tinubu Advocates Stronger Women Inclusion in Civil Service

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

To drive meaningful female inclusion and strengthen participation within the Nigerian Civil Service, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a new women’s initiative tagged INSPIRE.

Persecondnews correspondent reports that the initiative, unveiled at the International Civil Service Conference held at Eagle Square, Abuja on Thursday, is designed as an Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women across all ranks of the public service.

“The Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women speaks to the kind of Civil Service we must continue to build,” she said.

She stressed that inclusion must go beyond representation to active participation in decision making and policy influence.

“We must also recognise the need for more inclusion, which is most meaningful when it comes with the opportunity to contribute, shape decisions, and influence outcomes,” Tinubu noted.

Linking the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady said empowering women strengthens institutions and improves governance outcomes.

“When women are empowered, institutions become stronger, governance improves and citizens benefit from better service delivery,” she added.

She emphasised the importance of early mentorship and leadership development within the civil service structure.

“A young officer who is properly mentored today may become the Permanent Secretary, Head of the Civil Service, Minister or a national leader tomorrow.”

Senator Tinubu urged women to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and strengthen collaboration, while calling on men to support fairness and equal opportunity in the workplace.

She added that the success of the initiative would be measured by long-term impact rather than its launch.

“I must note that the success of INSPIRE will not be measured only by today’s launch, but by the impact it creates in the years ahead,” she said.

The First Lady formally declared the programme launched, describing it as a platform for mentorship, collaboration and leadership development for women in the civil service.

She commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and the partners including UN Women for supporting the initiative.