Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says women’s active participation is paramount to transformation of the nation.
She also said same is required towards the eradication of societal challenges plaguing the female population.
While welcoming the Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imam Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and a delegation of senior female police officers to the State House in Abuja who had come on a courtesy visit, the First Lady acknowledged the substantial involvement of women in policing and safe-guarding the nation.
She also noted that under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are widened opportunities for women to make significant contribution to national development.
A statement signed by Bukola Kukoyi, Special Assistant, Media, quoted the First Lady as saying: “It marks the dawn of a new era for women in our nation as this administration extends a warm embrace, inviting women to contribute their invaluable expertise. I, too, am committed to finding avenues to contribute. A vibrant and innovative Nigeria is one where everyone plays a part in ushering in progress.”
She also said that she would impart her vision or the betterment of Nigeria as she urged the female police officers and women across the nation to take the lead in addressing critical issue such as rape, child abuse, human trafficking, and the proliferation of baby factories that disproportionately affect women in the society.
She said: “Women must strive and be empowered within a secure environment. Our collective aspiration is to witness a Nigeria where our children are shielded from the horrors of crimes and maltreatment, where the abuse of minors and children becomes a thing of the past. We must actively combat human trafficking, organ harvesting, and the operation of baby factories,” she passionately pleaded.
The First Lady expressed her anticipation of the day when a woman will ascend to the prestigious position of Inspector-General of Police, adding that it would be a milestone that would further underscore the nation’s commitment to gender equality and progress.
Applauding the unwavering advocacy led by the First Lady in championing women’s interests across the country, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said it highlights the critical pillars of a just and equitable society which comprises gender equality, the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said “We are embarking on an ambitious initiative to not only address existing challenges but also fundamentally reshape the Nigeria Police into a modern, responsive, intelligence-led, and technology-driven institution. And recognizing the shortcomings of the previous reforms, we are now taking proactive and comprehensive steps to transform every aspect of police operations.”
Standing as the first female Minister of State in Nigeria by President Tinubu, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, her appointment, according to the statement, is a remarkable stance of breaking barriers and paving was for a more equitable and just future for all.
The Minister of State for Police Affairs then extended an earnest plea for collaboration, saying that the advancement of these vital causes hinges upon the support and partnership of esteemed leaders like Nigeria’s First Lady.
