President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference & Awards (VOW2025), Tinubu emphasized the crucial role women play in nation-building and highlighted his administration’s efforts to promote women’s economic growth and development.
“Our ever supportive and resilient Nigerian Women, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, | salute the 9th Edition of the Voice of Women Conference, holding at the dawn of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, a reminder that the story of our nation is incomplete without the strength of her women.
“Guided by this year’s theme, “Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action,” your voices remain the heartbeat of our country; echoing, undaunted, unyielding, and rising to shape a future of equity and progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda. My administration stands resolute in empowering women as protectors of families, drivers of innovation, and catalysts of the one trillion-dollar economy we are building together.”
Similarly, the vice president of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, aligns with the uplifting message of President Tinubu.
Shettima noted that theme, “Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action,” is both timely and timeless, reminding us that women are the backbone of our nation’s resilience and the vanguard of its future.
Under the steadfast leadership of Mr. President, we remain committed to unlocking the full potential of Nigerian women as builders of families, leaders of enterprise, and key drivers of our one trilllon-dollar economy and national renewal.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the call for Reserved Seats is not alien to Nigeria.
“Our Reserved Seats Bill has the potential to open a new chapter in political inclusivity. By institutionalizing women’s participation, we align with international best practices and strengthen democracy at home.
“This is why the Reserved Seats Bill is so significant. It is not an act of benevolence; it is an act of justice and strategic necessity. By guaranteeing space for women in governance, we align with global best practices, ensure a more inclusive democracy, and unlock the full potential of half of Nigeria’s population.
The Minister commend the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which has courageously placed women, children, families, and vulnerable groups at the front burner of national development.
“While supporting this Bill, we must also remain focused on raising women economically. For women to shape political spaces effectively, they must also be empowered to contribute meaningfully to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
The Minister also commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly; the Senate President, H.E. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, GSSRS; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD; and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who has championed this Bill without reservations.
“Their determination to support the Reserved Seats Bill demonstrates political courage and statesmanship. It signals to Nigerian women that their voices matter, and it signals to the world that Nigeria is ready to align with the global movement for inclusive governance. Indeed, their support is not just about Nigeria; it represents a continental and global statement that democracy without women is incomplete.”
The convener, VOW Conference and Awards, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, called on ensure passage of Reserved Seats Bill.
“President Tinubu GCFR, history is watching. Your leadership is needed to turn promises into policy and back words with action. The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
“Your commitment and administration’s focus on development and inclusivity align with the bill’s objectives. Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing. Your advocacy will significantly impact the bill’s passage.
“It will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership. When the bill is passed, your administration and the 10th National Assembly will be remembered in Nigeria’s history as champions of women’s rights.”
The covener noted that the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill is critical for Nigeria’s true democracy.
She thanked the sponsor, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu PhD., CFR and the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD., GCON for championing and backing the bill while urging members of the National Assembly to vote for its passage.
However, Sonaiya informed that grassroots women have the largest voting bloc with the greatest voting strength, but their political choices are shaped by men.
“Rural women have had their political choices shaped by men. Eight out of ten grassroots, women in Nigeria have permanent voter cards, but their votes are influenced by men. Our women vote for more men than women. The few women they vote for are also determined by men. This reality calls for action.”
She stressed that it’s time for every Nigerian woman with a permanent voter card to transform her individual influence into collective power. When women support women across all divides, irrespective of political affiliation, economic status. ethnic background, faith, age.
The President, League of Women Voters, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh informed that in the past two months Lagos state for example, has lost five council officials—five women leaders who answered the call to serve their communities, only to be cut down too soon.
“Their deaths have shaken us. And they are not alone. Across Nigeria, women in positions of leadership continue to face the heavy burdens of stress, insecurity, health neglect, and sometimes suspicious circumstances.
” There is a danger of death in women’s leadership in Nigeria. Each death is not only the loss of a mother, a sister, daughter—it is the loss of vision, courage, and possibility. It discourages others from stepping forward. It reinforces fear, and it sends a dangerous signal that public service is unsafe for women.
“The implication is grave. Because when women are absent in governance, our democracy is weakened. When women are silenced by death, intimidation, or neglect, the nation is robbed of half its strength.
“And when leadership becomes a graveyard for women, who will dare to walk the path tomorrow?”
