From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu has said empowering women is not just a matter of social Justice but also a catalyst for national development.
According to a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, she said this when she was decorated as the Grand Patron of the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
In spite of Nigeria’s efforts to build a more equal and empowered society in which women are not only beneficiaries but essential contributors to the advancement and prosperity of their country, Mrs. Tinubu stated that the NCWS has long been a leader in advocacy for reforming systemic issues that impact women in Nigeria.
She noted that “The NCWS is not new to me as I happen to have been a state patron from 1999-2007 when my husband was the Governor of Lagos State; I identify with you in fostering unity, promoting equality and amplifying the voices of women across every sector of our society including creating a more inclusive and equitable nation which echoes the ideals that we all aspire to achieve”.
The First Lady affirmed her unwavering support as the Grand–Patron of the NCWS.
“As the Grand-Patron I am aware of the challenges being faced by women in our society, women continue to face discrimination, violence and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and work towards creating a society where every woman can thrive and fulfil her potential”.
Mrs Tinubu appreciated the Executives of the NCWS for their dedication to the welfare and progress of the nation through the targeted programmes of the women’s societies.
She also commended their efforts in championing causes that uplift women and promote Education, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, and social welfare initiatives which resonates with the core values of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Grand-Patron of the NCWS, further pledged to do more through the RHI to create an enabling environment for women to thrive.
“I will advocate for initiatives that support women’s Health, and economic empowerment, and work towards eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women.”
Earlier the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Lami Lau extolled the virtues of the First Lady, commending her Initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative and pledging the support of the council and its established machinery in achieving the objectives of RHI.
The event had in attendance Wives of State Governors, Wives of Members of the National Assembly, Wives of Ministers, President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) and wives of other service chiefs, members of the NCWS, among others.