Remi Tinubu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased participation of women in governance, describing their role as critical to Nigeria’s development and long-term stability.
She made the call at the 2026 National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally, themed “The Power of 10 Million,” held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The event drew thousands of women from across the country, reflecting a growing movement aimed at strengthening female inclusion in political and economic decision-making.
Addressing the gathering, the First Lady emphasized that women constitute more than half of Nigeria’s population and possess the capacity to drive meaningful national transformation. She urged women to take a more active role in governance, policymaking, and leadership, noting that their involvement would foster more inclusive, balanced, and people-centered development outcomes.
Mrs Tinubu highlighted that empowering women enhances innovation, resilience, and productivity within families and communities, ultimately strengthening national growth. She also acknowledged the perseverance of Nigerian women amid current economic challenges and reassured them that ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would soon begin to deliver tangible benefits.
A key highlight of the rally was the unveiling of a women’s charter, which the First Lady pledged to present to the President. She described the document as a collective expression of women’s aspirations and a roadmap for greater inclusion in governance and national development.
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the rally as a historic milestone in advancing gender inclusion. She noted that the initiative represents a unified movement cutting across social, economic, and political divides.
According to her, the charter is more than a policy document it is a “social contract” and a commitment to redefining women’s role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
She further encouraged women to leverage their numerical strength in the electoral process, stressing that their voting power remains a decisive factor in influencing leadership and governance outcomes.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Women Leader and Chair of the Organising Committee, Zainab Ibrahim, described the rally as a powerful demonstration of collective advocacy. She said the mobilisation symbolised millions of voices demanding greater political, economic, and educational inclusion.
The event underscores a renewed push for gender equality in Nigeria, as stakeholders continue to advocate for policies and frameworks that will ensure women are adequately represented at all levels of leadership and decision-making.
