In a tribute penned to commemorate International Women’s Day, Obi emphasizes the global celebration of women’s potential and underscores the crucial role Nigerian women play in the country’s growth.
On this unique day, Obi expresses gratitude for the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering sacrifices made by Nigerian women, who, amidst numerous challenges, continue to inspire hope for a brighter future. Highlighting a report from Country Meters indicating that women constitute 49.4% of Nigeria’s population, Obi emphasizes the significant impact empowered women can have on national development.
Addressing the issue of female school enrollment, Obi laments the alarming statistic provided by UNICEF, revealing that 50% of Nigerian girls at the basic level are not attending school, contributing to approximately 7.6 million out-of-school children. He stresses the urgent need to address these challenges to cultivate a generation of empowered women poised to contribute to national development, peace, and progress.
Advocating for increased female representation in governance, Obi underscores the underwhelming political participation of women despite the National Gender Policy’s call for 35% involvement. In the 2023 elections, he notes that only about 10% of over 15,000 candidates were women, emphasizing the necessity for more opportunities for women to play active roles in governance.
Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian women, Obi points to their ownership of 41% of micro-businesses, with around 23 million female entrepreneurs in the SME sector. He emphasizes that with adequate support, these women can contribute significantly to the country’s economic development, propelling it from consumption to production.
In concluding his message, Obi asserts that a united front with Nigerian women strengthens the journey towards a New Nigeria. He extends heartfelt wishes for a Happy International Women’s Day.
