By Anayo Akwitti
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele says Nigeria cannot reach its full development potential without greater participation of women in governance, diplomacy, business and public leadership.
Bamidele described gender inclusion as a strategic investment in the country’s human capital and institutions, rather than an act of favour.
He spoke on Thursday at the presentation of The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity at Nigeria House in New York, United States.
The Senate Leader said inclusion must go beyond having women occupy positions in public institutions.
He said women must have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making, take on responsibility and shape public policies.
“Gender inclusion is not an act of favour. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength,” Bamidele said.
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy would be stronger when public institutions adequately reflect the citizens they serve.
Bamidele also pointed to the role of the National Assembly in advancing gender inclusion through legislation, representation and oversight.
He said Parliament would continue to support institutions that are fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens.
According to him, achieving greater inclusion requires the involvement of government, political institutions, the diplomatic service, the private sector, academia and civil society.
The event was attended by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Jimoh Ibrahim and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States Kayode Are, among others.
