Tinubu’s Aide Urges Massive Investment In Women For National Development

The federal government, through the senior special assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called for a major increase in investment in women and girls.

She described it as a critical pathway to achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

Orelope-Adefulire, who made the call yesterday in Abuja to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 under the theme “Give To Gain,” joined the global community in celebrating the resilience and contributions of women to national and global progress.

The SDGs boss urged individuals, governments and institutions to invest more resources, opportunities, and support in women and girls to unlock broader societal progress.

In a statement signed by her special assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategy, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire said empowering women is central to achieving the SDGs.

“International Women’s Day reminds us that empowering women and girls is not just a moral obligation but a development imperative.

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ reinforces the reality that every investment made in women and girls yields significant benefits for families, communities and nations,” she said.

She noted that progress in gender equality has a multiplier effect across other development priorities, including poverty reduction, education, health, economic growth and social inclusion.

According to the presidential aide, this is particularly true for SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

“From education and health to economic empowerment and leadership, the role of women is indispensable in building a resilient and prosperous society,” she added.

Orelope-Adefulire also highlighted the federal government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to strengthening gender inclusion.

She explained that the administration’s policies and programmes aimed at inclusive growth and human capital development are helping to create more opportunities for women across different sectors of the economy.

Reiterating her office’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive development initiatives, the SSAP-SDGs called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to accelerate progress.

“Achieving the SDGs requires a whole-of-society approach. Governments, private sector organisations, civil society groups, and citizens must all play their part in creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive,” she said.

She encouraged Nigerian women and girls to continue breaking barriers and pursuing excellence, stressing that building an inclusive society where women have equal opportunities will strengthen Nigeria’s development trajectory.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8 every year to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also advocating for accelerated action towards gender equality.