FG, Uzodimma, Abdulrazaq, PIC, Others Speak on Tackling Gender Disparities in Nigeria
- Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, called for urgent action to tackle gender inequality, warning that growth without inclusivity
- First Ladies Chioma Uzodimma (Imo) and Olufolake Abdulrazaq (Kwara) highlighted state initiatives promoting women’s participation in governance, economic empowerment
- International partners and the Policy Innovation Centre stressed that gender equality is both a moral and economic imperative, urging governments and communities to translate policies into measurable impact
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
FCT, Abuja - Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for urgent steps to dismantle gender inequalities that limit the country’s economic and social potential.
Tuggar warned that growth without inclusivity remained “fragile” and prosperity without equity “unsustainable”.
Source: Original
The minister spoke at the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit held on Thursday, September 4, in Abuja.
“A 2019 report forecasted a 23 per cent surge in Nigeria’s GDP — equivalent to $229 billion. if women participate in the economy at the same level as men,” he said. “
He added:
"This data reminds us of a simple truth: we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind.”
Uzodimma stresses inclusivity in Imo State
First Lady of Imo state, Chioma Uzodimma, highlighted local initiatives to improve women’s participation in governance and society.
She noted that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma had appointed women into sensitive roles, including commissioners, judges, and local government leaders.
“Inclusivity is not just a moral imperative; it is a pathway to sustainable development.
“Imo State recently signed the Disability Inclusion Bill into law and continues to empower women and youth through training, entrepreneurship support, and mentorship," she said.
She added:
“The future we envision is achievable if we commit to dismantling the barriers that hold us back.”
Abdulrazaq highlights governors’ commitment
Kwara state First Lady and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, pointed to progress at state level, citing the passage of the 35 per cent gender inclusion bill in Kwara.
Read also
"He is sent by God": Top northern governor receives commendation over policies, development
“Despite progress, significant gender gaps remain across Africa. As of 2024, women held only 27.3 per cent of parliamentary seats in Sub-Saharan Africa, and roughly 95 per cent of CEOs of Africa’s largest companies were men. This must change," she said.
She explained that First Ladies across Nigeria had implemented grassroots programmes tackling gender-based violence, promoting girl-child education, and supporting women entrepreneurs.
Gender inclusion: International partners express support
Mexico’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, described gender equality as “a universal human aspiration rooted in dignity, fairness, and opportunity”.
He added:
“No country can afford to leave half its population behind. Empowering women is not only a moral imperative — it is also smart economics.”
Policy Innovation Centre urges stronger delivery
Source: Original
Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), organisers of the summit, emphasised the need for effective delivery of gender policies.
“We have frameworks and examples, but real change comes when governments, businesses, and communities turn policies into impact,” she said.
She revealed that the summit had introduced a gender innovation hackathon to accelerate solutions in health, agriculture, and education, with hundreds of entries submitted across Africa.
Source: Legit.ng
