Celebrating Nigerian Women: Obi Salutes Their Contributions to Nation’s Development on International Women’s Day

In a heartfelt tribute on International Women’s Day, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has praised Nigerian women for their immeasurable contributions to the nation’s development.

Obi’s X post highlights the importance of celebrating women globally and their significant role in Nigeria’s progress.

Obi acknowledges the resilience, perseverance, and tireless sacrifices of Nigerian women, who continue to resonate with hope for a better nation, even in the face of numerous challenges.

Women account for 49.4 percent of Nigeria’s total population, and their empowerment, particularly through education, is crucial for the country’s development.

However, the poor female school enrolment in Nigeria remains a source of concern. UNICEF reports that 50 percent of Nigerian girls are not attending school at the basic level, with girls accounting for about 7.6 million of the 18 million out-of-school children in the country.

Addressing these challenges is essential to raise a generation of empowered and productive women who will contribute to Nigeria’s progress.

The inclusion of women in governance has been an ongoing issue, with their political participation remaining low despite the National Gender Policy, which demands 35 percent involvement of women in all governance processes.

In the 2023 elections, only about 10 percent of the candidates were women. Obi believes that giving women more opportunities in leadership positions will lead to significant improvements in the country’s governance.

The entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian women is another crucial factor in the nation’s development. Women account for 41 percent of ownership of micro-businesses in Nigeria, with approximately 23 million female entrepreneurs in the SME sector.

With adequate support, these women can help drive Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based economy to a production-based one.

Obi emphasizes that Nigerian women are an integral part of the journey towards a new Nigeria.

Their potential contributions to the nation’s growth and development, if fully realized, will create a more prosperous and progressive country.