Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called for more support for women to enhance their participation in politics.
She made the call on Wednesday while speaking as a Special Guest at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex in Ikeja, where she delivered a speech on “The Role of Women in Nation Building.”
The lecture was organized to commemorate 25 years of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa described Nigeria’s rating as the lowest in terms of women in elective positions in Africa, as disappointing and unacceptable.
She then called for more deliberate support of political parties and the parliament for women politicians.
According to her, out of over 1,300 elective positions at the state and federal levels, less than five percent are occupied by women, saying that the statistics rather than increasing, diminished over the years.
She called on Political parties to be more sincere and intentional about getting women into elective positions.
The NIDCOM boss added that Nigeria had more than enough gifted and competent women that are capable of occupying any elective political office in Nigeria.
She also called on the parliament to give their backing to women-friendly legislation, while calling on women professionals in all walks of life to participate actively in the political space.
“If you are not on the table, you will be on the menu.“
The NIDCOM boss commended women who have risen to top positions in Nigeria through their hard work, tenacity, and zeal.
She emphasized that women should take mentorship seriously, and serve as role models to younger generations, paving the way for aspiring young women to occupy various positions in society.
She applauded Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the Speaker of Lagos state House of Assembly for the well-organized event, expressed her hope that deserving women would be given opportunities to contribute to national development.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that Nigerian women are the cornerstone of any society, describing them as beacons of creativity, peace, and determination.
She praised the intelligence, brilliance, and energy of women, noting that Nigerian women rank among the best in the world.
She called on Nigerian women to put their best forward and urged women in various professions to participate actively in politics.
The event was hosted by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was attended by the wife of Lagos state Governor, Dr. Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, former governors, former deputy governors, past and serving assembly members, party leaders, party executives, and members of the diplomatic corps.
(Vital News)
