President Tinubu Pledges Support for Women’s Rights and Empowerment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed to safeguarding Nigerian women from violence and discrimination, ensuring their access to justice through gender-sensitive policies.
At the Empower-Her event—focused on women’s involvement in farming, health, and various empowerment initiatives—hosted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, the President expressed his dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
“We acknowledge the obstacles women encounter, including limited access to education and healthcare, gender-based violence, and economic inequality. It is crucial for us as a nation to work together to foster development and create opportunities for women to succeed,” he stated.
Represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu emphasized the need for justice access and protection for women, advocating for the strengthening of institutions and the promotion of policies that support women’s rural organizations.
During the event, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), highlighted that over 78% of the bank’s loans are aimed at empowering women, acknowledging their vital contributions to society.
He noted that UBA recognizes women as essential to sustainable development and economic growth. The bank offers specialized SME loan products designed for women-led and owned businesses, reinforcing its commitment to their empowerment.
Elumelu, represented by Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director, emphasized the bank’s dedication to women’s leadership and representation, citing nearly 50% female representation on its Board and 40% of senior management positions held by women. He described the event’s theme—“Farming to Feed the Nation, Empowerment to Give Women Voices, Justice for Crimes to Have Consequences via Mobile Court”—as a crucial step toward the comprehensive empowerment of women across Nigeria.
He also pledged to support the federal government’s initiatives to uplift Nigerian women, stating that a society flourishes when women are empowered.
“Empowerment is essential because when women thrive, societies prosper. The United Nations has consistently highlighted that gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental to sustainable development,” he concluded.
