- Presidential Praise: Tinubu hails women as the bedrock of Nigeria.
- Renewed Hope Pledge: Administration commits to dismantling barriers for women.
- International Women’s Day: A moment to reflect on progress and challenges.
Tinubu’s Heartfelt Message to Nigerian Women
In a personal message commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, President Bola Tinubu celebrated the resilience, brilliance, and indispensable contributions of Nigerian women. He emphasized their crucial role in driving progress, from households to farms, corporate boardrooms, and community initiatives.
Acknowledging the Barriers
Despite significant strides, President Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerian women still face considerable obstacles. He noted that, even three decades after the Beijing Declaration, these barriers continue to limit women’s potential and hinder their full participation in society. These challenges include:
- Limited access to finance
- Unequal opportunities in governance
- Discrimination in agriculture and other sectors
Renewed Hope: A Pledge for Progress
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda. This pledge focuses on actively dismantling the obstacles that impede women’s progress. Key initiatives include:
- Expanding access to financial resources for women-led businesses
- Ensuring equitable opportunities for women in leadership positions and governance
- Promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture and other vital sectors
A Call to Action and Unity
In his concluding remarks, President Tinubu conveyed a message of solidarity and hope, addressing Nigerian women as “mothers, daughters, sisters.” He affirmed that their strength is the driving force behind Nigeria’s future and emphasized the importance of collective effort in achieving gender equality and national progress: “Together, we rise!” he wrote.
Related Developments in Nigeria
Recent reports and discussions highlight the broader context of women’s roles and challenges in Nigeria:
- Trade Surplus: Nigeria recorded a N3.4 trillion trade surplus in Q4 2024, indicating economic activity, which could impact opportunities for women-owned businesses (Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics).
- Political Participation: IPAC (Inter-Party Advisory Council) is advocating for greater women’s involvement in politics and inclusive governance (INEC Nigeria).
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
International Women’s Day also serves as a reminder to celebrate the achievements of Nigerian women who have made history and continue to inspire. These include women in various fields, such as:
- Politics and governance
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Arts and culture
- Science and technology