First Lady, Patience Jonathan, calls for more women participation in decision making

Published: September 12,2013

Patience Jonathan

Mrs Jonathan wants women allowed to be part of the transformational change in Nigeria.

First lady, Patience Jonathan, has called for better participation of women in decision making at higher levels in Nigeria for the country’s desired developmental changes to take off.

Represented by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, at the second edition of the National Women’s Summit organised by the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA), she called for women’s strategic involvement in strengthening the nation’s economy noting that  it is a veritable means of Nigeria joining the major league of global economies.

Stressing the need for women to play better and greater roles in nation building, she said giving utmost attention to gender equality is now a global phenomenon adding that this “can easily promote change and development as well as help in attaining cohesion and stability in societies”.

She however advised that women must be allowed to be part of the transformational change in Nigeria for the country to join the world’s topnotch economies by 2020.

According to her, this is not a mere dream or wish as some Nigerian women had played major roles in the nation’s development since the pre-colonial era. Thus, she said more and equal opportunities (with men) should be given them in order to contribute their quota for a more desirous Nigeria.

“Nigerian women have the intellect and potential to make the nation great. They have demonstrated this through the vital contributions they have made at some point in our history as pioneers of change and development” she said.

In the country’s present administration, she reiterated that there are 13 female ministers who are also holding key ministries such as finance, petroleum, water and resources among others.

Consequently, Mrs. Jonathan advised every Nigerian woman to concentrate on securing legal backings for the gains they have made so far.

She further added that “It is my firm belief that an equal participation of our men and women in the development of our nation will certainly help in bringing about the desired change in our society, strengthening our economy and making Nigeria a country to be proud of”.