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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has presented the Abuja Accelerator to the United Nations in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Benjamins-Laniyi made the presentation on the sidelines of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 2024 holding in New York, United States.
Making the presentation titled: ‘The Abuja Accelerator: Unifying Women for Global Impact’
to the United Nations audience at the United Nations House in Abuja, Benjamin-Laniyi said the Abuja Accelerator is a transformative initiative that is a reflection of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike’s aspiration for Women designed to unify and empower Nigerian women for global impact.
Benjamins-Laniyi explained that the programme aligned with the progressive goals outlined in Nigeria’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (2023-2028), a policy Nigeria brought to the 2024 CSW event in New York.
She further said the Abuja Accelerator is not just a program, but a movement initiated by the office of the Mandate Secretary, and supported by The FCT Minister and Minister of State; whose vision and mission aligned with the regional, continental, and global conventions and frameworks of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Abuja Accelerator aims to recognize the immense potential within our women, transform the lives of the vulnerable and equip women across the six geopolitical zones of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the capacity most eligible to create a balanced economic community through opportunities, resources, and mentorship needed to thrive. We envision a future where Nigerian women, no longer limited by circumstance, become active contributors to sustainable development on the global stage.
“This initiative fosters collaboration, creating a network where women can share experiences, exchange ideas, and amplify each other’s voices. We create a chorus strong enough to resonate worldwide by unifying our women,” Benjamin-Laniyi said.
Benjamin-Laniyi added that the Abuja Accelerator, a pilot for driving Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy under the office of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, embodied Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment, as enshrined in our national policy.
She also said the policy aimed to accelerate structural reforms and prioritize sectoral interventions required to catalyze women and girls’ full participation in Nigeria’s dynamic economy.
Benjamin-Laniyi stated that the policy focussed on five central pillars: Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, the Traditional Labour Market, Emerging Industries and Education and Skills Acquisition.
“Other areas include women’s financial inclusion and literacy, digital innovation, literacy and access and participation in leadership roles. The Accelerator translates these objectives into tangible action.
“We believe empowered Nigerian women will shape our nation’s destiny and leave an indelible mark on the world stage. Through the Accelerator, beneficiaries will gain the confidence and expertise to proffer solutions to global challenges, from climate change to sustainable development. These solutions, borne from unique perspectives and experiences, will hold the power to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all through the eight mandate goals: Policy Development, Capacity Building, Program Implementation, Research and Data Analysis, Legal Advocacy, Collaboration, Support Services and Awareness and Sensitization.
“Let the Abuja Accelerator serve as a beacon of inspiration for other nations. Let us join hands, share best practices, and create a global ecosystem that empowers women everywhere. Together, we can unlock a new era of progress where women are not just participants but architects of a brighter future.
“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate. The Abuja Accelerator is our offering to the world, a testament to our unwavering belief in the transformative power of women. Let us use this platform at the CSW to forge a united front, for when women rise together, the world rises with them,” Benjamin-Laniyi concluded.
In her remarks, the Coordination and Partnership Specialist, National Program Officer for United Nations Women, Patience Ekioba, expressed optimism that FCT will be a strong model for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Ekioba also said the United Nations Women Office was glad that the government of President Bola Tinubu Ahmed Tinubu is doing all it can to give women a voice, not just in the FCT, but in the entire country.
