Remi Tinubu pledges to deliver Women’s Charter to President, backs wider inclusion

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to formally present the Women’s Charter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to deepen women’s inclusion and economic empowerment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mrs Tinubu made the pledge at the National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally themed “The Power of 10 Million: One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said the Women’s Charter represents the collective voice, aspirations, and expectations of Nigerian women, particularly in the areas of political inclusion and economic empowerment.

The First Lady assured participants that the document would be delivered to the President, describing it as a commitment to ensuring that women’s contributions are fully reflected in national development.

She noted that women constitute more than half of Nigeria’s population and play a critical role in nation-building, adding that the administration remains committed to expanding their participation in governance.

“This first term of Mr President has been a period of laying a solid foundation through bold and necessary reforms that will usher in lasting prosperity for our dear nation. Though the process has demanded sacrifice, the seed has been planted, and I am confident that Nigerians will continue to reap the fruits of these reforms in the days and years ahead,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu reiterated the administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the Women’s Charter as a “social contract and policy compass” outlining demands for greater political representation, improved access to financing, expanded economic opportunities, and stronger social protection systems.

She said the “Power of 10 Million Women” initiative is aimed at mobilising women as a unified force to influence governance and national development.

“Let me assure you that Nigerian women recognise this support and will deliver the mandate. We are organised, mobilised, and ready to shape the future of our nation with discipline, unity and purpose,” she said.

The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the rally marked a shift from informal participation to structured political and economic influence for women, noting that coordinated mobilisation could significantly shape governance outcomes.

“Ten million women who are informed, aligned and intentional will not only participate in development, they will influence its direction,” she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged women to take ownership of national reforms, stressing that collective action strengthens their voice.

The President of the Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta, called for stronger inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in political participation and empowerment programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that female heads of federal agencies, grassroots leaders, entrepreneurs, and professional groups also pledged support for expanded women’s representation.

The event featured the rollout of empowerment programmes targeting women through grants, microcredit schemes, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and market access initiatives.

The rally ended with a call for unity among women under the theme “One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” ahead of the 2027 general elections.