Women’s Empowerment Critical For National Development – Mrs Tinubu

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has declared that empowering women is imperative for the country’s development and not just a matter of social justice.

Her remarks came during a ceremony at the State House in Abuja, where she was decorated as Grand Patron of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria.

In her address, Senator Tinubu in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, noted that the NCWS has a long history of advocating for systemic changes to improve women’s welfare in the country.

She added that creating a more equitable society where women actively contribute is key to the nation’s progress.

She said, “The NCWS is not new to me as I happen to have been a state patron from 1999-2007 when my husband was the Governor of Lagos State; I identify with you in fostering unity, promoting equality and amplifying the voices of women across every sector of our society including creating a more inclusive and equitable nation which echoes the ideals that we all aspire to achieve”.

The first lady affirmed her unwavering support as the grand patron of the NCWS.

“As the grand patron I am aware of the challenges being faced by women in our society, women continue to face discrimination, violence and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

“It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and work towards creating a society where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu appreciated the executives of the NCWS for their dedication to the welfare and progress of the nation through the targeted programmes of the women’s societies.

She commended their efforts in championing causes that uplift women and promote education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social welfare initiatives which resonate with the core values of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The grand patron of the NCWS pledged to do more through the RHI to create an enabling environment for women to thrive.

“I will advocate for initiatives that support women’s health, and economic empowerment, and work towards eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women,” she said.

Earlier, the national president of NCWS, Lami Adamu Lau, extolled the virtues of the first lady, and commended her Initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative and pledged the support of the council and its established machinery in achieving the objectives of RHI.