By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Nigeria First Leadership Advocacy Initiative ( NFLAI) has called on Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu to initiate a new sustainable National Women Empowerment Project which will be replicated across the 36 States and 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
Speaking during a two day Media and Sensitization Advocacy Program which the group held in Abuja and Kafanchan, the leader of the group, Hon Jonah Bonet (Pomposiya) reiterates the group’s commitment towards women liberation and empowerment as key drivers to having a peaceful, prosperous and economic vibrant society.
According to him, women influence in the Nigerian society cannot be overstated, as mothers, they posses unique qualities that make them essential in shaping the future of any nation.
” Women, are emotionally sympathetic, kind, hospitable, caring, and accommodating, stressing with the necessary support and investment from the Government, they have the potential to bring about significant change in our society and contribute to raising responsible and God-fearing children.
” The family, which is the first and most important agent of social change, must be given the attention it deserves for our nation to experience peace, unity, and development.”
Bonet charged the First Lady as the mother of the nation to take up this challenge by initiating a new ‘ National Women Empowerment Project’ (NAWEP) by building Skills Acquisition Centers for women in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the nation.
He called on the First Lady to ensure that the project is pushed down to the grassroots through the offices of other First Ladies of the States and the Local Government Councils.
Bonet reemphasize the need for the National Assembly to swiftly initiate a bill that would officially and constitutionally acknowledge the office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the First Ladies of each state and local government council.
“ As a group, we have spent a great deal of time thoroughly examining the various issues facing our country and identifying potential solutions, noting upon careful consideration, we are of the opinion that it is crucial for the National Assembly to introduce a bill that would officially acknowledge the office of the First Lady, as well as the First Ladies of each State and Local Government Areas/Councils.
” With the actualization of the Local Government Autonomy which received judicial backing by the Supreme Court in the most recent judgement of Attorney General of the Federation, Attorney General of Abia State & Ors., on 11th July 2024, the First Lady of Nigeria can be empowered alongside the wives of the state Governors and Local Government Chairmen to come up with distinctive and aggressive National Women Empowerment Project that will be carried out nationally and be replicated in all the 36 states of the federation and the Local Government Areas.”
The group appreciates the contribution of women to the growth and development of this country most especially those women who are doing well in their chosen careers and have equally extended a helping hand to other women who are less privileged.
Earlier, a founding member of the group, Comrd. Tunde Afolabi reiterated the group’s commitment in advocating for the emancipation of women in the society, stressing the need for women to champion a new agenda of reviving family values in the society.
” As concerned citizens, we urge every parent to take responsibility for raising their children with strong moral values and a sense of duty towards the nation, saying only then can we begin to pave a
brighter future for our country and leave a positive legacy for our children to inherit.” Afolabi stated.
