President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has promised that women would be properly represented in his administration.
Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abuja at the presentation of a book, ‘101 Nigerian Women of Impact’, authored by Ms. Zainab Marwa.
Tinubu, who was represented the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Betta Edu, said Nigerian women have paid the price for the development, peace and unity of Nigeria, and must be appreciated. He congratulated the author for her accomplishments in the gender space, saying the book would inspire women to greatness.
He said: “Nigerian women have paid the ultimate price for the development, peace and unity of Nigeria, and this can never be overlooked. All I can say is Nigerian women can go home smiling because you will have one of the best times in representation in government. Nigerian women will be appreciated. Today is a celebration of Nigeria women. They have done well and still doing well. We are proud of every effort that has been put on the table.
“The message you have sent by writing the book to celebrate 101 women among over 100 million is simple. You can aspire to be more. The second message is that working together, we can change the picture of Nigeria. Nigeria is at a turning point and the missing chip in that puzzle that would fix this country and give us the speed we need are the women. This is our call to action and development.”
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, who said opportunities abound when the environment is conducive for women to thrive, added: “Women are needed to accelerate the pace of growth and development. Women no longer belong in the background because they are breaking barriers. There should be an enabling environment for them to contribute maximally to the growth of the country. As leaders, we have to be deliberate about these efforts.”
The author’s father, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, stressed the importance of books as instruments of human civilization.
Marwa, who is Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said his happiness was doubled as the author is his own daughter. He noted that writing was a trait in the family and encouraged her to do more.
Ms. Zainab Marwa said she was driven by the need to inspire young women to achieve more and move to excellence.
The book was reviewed by Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adedeye Ogunwusi; Etsu Nupe, Alh Yahaya Abubakar, as well as representatives of businessmen Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote.
