First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that Nigeria can only achieve its goals and progress if both males and females work together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen collective humanity.
Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence, a structural edifice built and named after her at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Mrs Tinubu charged scholars, policymakers, and leaders to make the centre a hub of ideas and action, where innovation blends with empathy and policies are forged with wisdom and compassion.
She stated, “The vision of this centre aligns with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to harness the full potential of all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or economic status.
“The objective of this centre is also in line with Nigeria’s obligation under the National Gender Policy 2026, a noble framework to which we subscribe, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 5 and SDG 16, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Furthermore, when women are empowered, the whole society prospers. I’m particularly pleased that this centre’s approach includes both men and women, recognising that inclusion must be a shared national agenda.
“Actual progress will come when both genders act, working together as allies to dismantle stereotypes, open up opportunities and strengthen our collective humanity.”
The First Lady thanked the board and management of NIPSS for inviting her to the event and thanked the participants of the Senior Executive Course 45, 2023, for conceiving, funding, and executing the project.
“I am humbled by your decision to name this Gender Centre after me. It is a great honour, and I thank you sincerely for this recognition. May this centre stand as a lasting symbol of our collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Remi Tinubu said.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who also spoke at the event, expressed support for inclusion in the governance affairs of the country and urged the First Lady to intervene and bring pressure to bear on the National Assembly to pass the bill on special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
“I have wholeheartedly supported the advocacy for special seats for women in the national and state legislative houses. I have been monitoring developments in the National Assembly, and it might interest the First Lady to know that the proposal is currently a bit wobbly.
“I am sure that adding her voice to the advocacy for that provision will bring pressure to bear on the National Assembly to see the wisdom in making it happen,” Mutfwang said.
The governor also emphasised the importance of including men in the conversation on gender issues, stating,
“We must take responsibility for gender issues. There must be affirmative action — otherwise, it will not happen.
“For me, gender issues are not just about women. In fact, if men are not included in the conversation, we will continue to suffer setbacks.
“Since coming into office, I have chosen to walk the talk. That is why we have brought women into key decision-making positions in our government — and we have seen the benefits. I believe that every man who has a daughter would want every girl child to make progress,” he said.
Chairman of the Board of NIPSS, Ken Nnamani, called for the decentralisation of the institute’s short courses to various geopolitical centres to enable Nigerians from all parts of the country to participate without much stress.
“For the short courses, we are considering a future where such courses are held in various geopolitical zones. We already have one in the Southwest, though I won’t go into details.
“Kuru will, of course, remain the epicentre of this think tank. The goal is to make it easier for people to attend short courses without having to travel long distances, given the hazards these days.
“We will continue to focus on Kuru for the senior and executive courses. What we are doing this afternoon is to call attention to the urgent need to support NIPSS so it can perform the exact functions for which it was established in 1979,” Nnamani added.
The inauguration of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence is seen as part of Tinubu’s vision to promote gender equality and empower women.
It is expected to serve as a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope for a more equitable society.
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