By Omoyeni Ojeifo
PersecondNews correspondent at the event, reports that Tinubu described Nigerian women as peacebuilders, guardians of national unity and active participants in democracy, insisting that their contributions must be matched with opportunities, political representation and institutional support.
“Nigerian women are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are peacebuilders, guardians of national unity and active participants in our democracy. Their contributions must be matched with opportunities, political representation and institutional support,” he said.
Tinubu highlighted the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family and Social Development, aimed at strengthening families, protecting children and promoting social inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also highlighted three policy instruments approved by the Federal Executive Council on October 28, 2026: the National Care Policy and Implementation Plan (2026–2030), the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (2026–2030), and the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children.
He said the policies would address unpaid care work, period poverty and child abuse while improving protection for women and children.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas,
represented by the Chairman House Committee on Women Affaies, Kafilat Ogbara, described women’s continued underrepresentation in legislative institutions as a democratic deficit requiring urgent attention.
Reaffirming the 10th House’s commitment to improving women’s political representation, he highlighted the proposed reserved seats for women bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly without displacing existing constituencies or elected representatives.
“Our democracy cannot fully reflect the diversity of our society when women, who constitute a substantial part of our population, remain inadequately represented in the corridors of political decision-making,” he said.
Abbas disclosed that President Tinubu had supported the proposed bill, while the House continued engaging political leaders and other stakeholders to build consensus and called for stronger laws, improved access to justice and accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence.
The Speaker urged greater investment in girls’ education, women’s entrepreneurship and leadership development, insisting that women must be empowered to lead and shape Nigeria’s future.
On his part, former Senator of the FCT Philip Aduda commended the First Lady for extending her Renewed Hope Initiative to young people, persons with disabilities and the elderly, pledging his support for programmes that promote inclusion and women’s development.
“I will work for the progress of the girl-child and women, not only in the FCT but across the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I am keen on the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative to build a better society we can all be proud of,” Aduda pledged.
Earlier, President of the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, Princess Ednah D, Azura , called for greater women’s participation in governance, insisting that political inclusion should go beyond symbolic representation.
“We are not asking for positions as favours. We are asking for fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity. Nigerian women have demonstrated competence in every sector of national life,” she said.
She urged women to unite and participate actively in the 2027 general elections, stressing that their votes would be critical to securing greater political representation.
“When the 2027 general elections come, let us come out in our numbers and vote. Our vote is our voice, and our voice united cannot be ignored,” she said.
Azura also called on political parties to remove barriers limiting women’s participation and urged legislators to strengthen laws promoting women’s safety, economic empowerment and equal opportunities.
In an interview with Persecondnews, the Cross River State President of the National Council of Women Societies, Majorie Asuquo, urged Nigerian women to participate actively in the 2027 general elections by voting, protecting their votes and promoting peaceful conduct.
She also called on women to mobilise their families and communities to prioritise Nigeria’s peace above personal and political differences.
The summit attracted over 3,000 women from across Nigeria and beyond, including political leaders, government officials, advocates and representatives of women’s organisations.
PerSecondNews reports that the summit also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to peace, democracy, women’s empowerment and national development.
Author
Leave a comment