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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called for increased investment in women and girls as a vital step toward accelerating national development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), the presidential aide urged governments, institutions, and individuals to channel more resources into empowering women, describing it as both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for progress.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that empowering women and girls is not just a moral obligation but a development imperative,” Orelope-Adefulire said. “The theme ‘Give To Gain’ reinforces the reality that every investment made in women and girls yields significant benefits for families, communities, and nations.”
This year’s IWD theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for broader societal commitment to supporting women and girls, highlighting empowerment as a key driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Through a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategy, Desmond Utomwen, Orelope-Adefulire noted that gender equality remains pivotal to achieving the SDGs—particularly Goal 5, which focuses on empowering all women and girls. She emphasized that progress in this area creates ripple effects across other development priorities such as poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and economic growth.
The SSAP-SDGs commended the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deepen gender inclusion and expand opportunities for women, particularly through economic empowerment and social protection initiatives targeting vulnerable groups.
“Gender equality is a cross-cutting driver across the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” she said. “No country can achieve sustainable development without the full participation of women. From education and health to economic empowerment and leadership, the role of women is indispensable in building a resilient and prosperous society.”
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Orelope-Adefulire reiterated her office’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive programmes through partnerships with government institutions, development agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector. She said the SDGs Office continues to support community-based interventions and empowerment projects that enhance the livelihoods of women and girls in Nigeria.
“Achieving the SDGs requires a whole-of-society approach,” she added.
“Governments, private sector organisations, civil society groups, and citizens must all play their part in creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive.”
The presidential aide encouraged Nigerian women and girls to continue challenging barriers, pursuing excellence, and contributing to national development in fields such as governance, entrepreneurship, science, technology, media, and the creative industry.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8 to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for greater action towards gender equality.
