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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, New York
Nigeria’s top women leaders issued a fiery call for “partnerships without borders” to smash legal and economic chains on women, spotlighting Nigeria’s dismal rankings amid global gender gaps, at a high-profile NGO CSW70 side event in New York.
Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, kicked off the Global Women Partnership Without Borders forum by declaring: “Nationhood is more than a geographical expression; it is a shared covenant of belonging. Unity cannot flourish where exclusion persists. A nation divided by imbalance cannot fully harness its strength.”
She hammered home the stakes: “Gender balancing means equitable representation of all genders in leadership and economic participation. Inclusivity ensures governance reflects the diversity of the governed. When leadership mirrors its population, trust deepens and participation increases.”
Omidiran vowed her Commission’s fight: “Our vision is a Nigeria where opportunity is not determined by bias but by merit; where diversity is harmonized into unity.”
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, piled on with raw stats and resolve: “No country has achieved full legal equality for women. Globally, women hold just 64% of men’s legal rights. In Nigeria, women are 70% of farm labour yet own under 15% of land. We rank near-bottom in women’s political empowerment, with under 4% of National Assembly seats. That is sad, and it must change.”
Tallen, Plateau’s trailblazing ex-deputy governor, touted her record: “We declared a national emergency on gender-based violence, rolled out the Violence Against Persons Act, and built the Ministry’s HQ after 20 years.” She added: “Partnership without borders is a call to action – sharing legal reforms, cross-border mentorship, tech to make no woman invisible. Not photo-op alliances, but ones standing three years later when work gets hard.”
Drawing from personal fire, she roared: “I’ve lost my husband, raised five kids amid campaigns and crises, been underestimated countless times. Challenges test and strengthen us. No man bears labour pains like women – that’s why you’re God’s last born, wonderfully made. Ignore the voice saying ‘stay small’. You are ready. Your experience is your credential.”
“Leave with commitments that reach grassroots girls,” she demanded. “When partnerships form without borders, justice, opportunities and hope become borderless. God bless Nigeria.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, President of Betneely Charity Foundation and Global Coordinator of Women of Worth Global, Betty Olutunde, declared: “Women must celebrate women across borders, sectors, and generations. Women of Worth Global Group was founded in Nigeria to recognize and amplify the contributions of women whose achievements often go unseen.”
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“Our mission is simple but transformative: to build women,” she declared. “We create platforms where women’s voices are heard, accomplishments recognisd, and leadership strengthened. Recognition matters because visibility creates voice. When women’s work is acknowledged, they gain influence – and institutions begin to change.”
Tying into CSW70’s focus on access to justice, Olutunde stressed: “Justice means women being safe, heard, and having equal opportunity for education, leadership, and economic empowerment without barriers. We commit to strengthening networks, promoting mentorship, and raising rights awareness so every woman stands confidently.”
President Bola Tinubu led the pack with Women of Worth Global Group’s Champion of Women’s Empowerment Award, received by Nigeria’s Consul General to New York, Abubakar Jedda, on his behalf, recognising his pivotal role in elevating women’s roles nationwide. Chief of Defence Staff,Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), earned Distinguished Male Advocate for Gender Equity, Tallen received a lifetime trailblazer award; Pastor Paul & Mrs. Lillian Musa’s empowerment pillar recognition went to Dr. Betty Olujide.
Others are Maj. Gen. Henry Wesley Tapita received Distinguished Service in Women’s Advancement was taken by his Vice; Pastor Shola Adesoye received Global Trailblazer for Women’s Advancement award; Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s policy leadership was recognised; Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Consul General, received Diplomatic Leadership in Advancing Women in Power; Dr. Babangida Puri received Champion of Gender Equality and Women’s Growth award; Mrs. Ogugwuabe Musa for Championing Women’s Collaboration; Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke, Osun Governor’s Wife, and received Inclusive Community Development award.
Others are Mrs. Rachel John-Enyo as empowerment advocate; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD Bank of Industry, applauded for stellar women’s funding, Bolaji Akeremi received diplomatic women’s champion award and DIG Aisha Abubakar and widow-aid warriors rounded up the “gender champions,” award igniting vows for unstoppable global impact.
