Obi Celebrates Women’s Inestimable Contributions To Development, Worried About Worsening Hardship

*Says Abduction Of School Children Unacceptable*

Peter Obi, the main opposition voice and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has praised Nigerian women for their immeasurable contributions to national development.
He also stated that it is unacceptable that Nigerian children will be unable to learn in a safe environment due to criminals.
According to Chief Spokesman Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi wrote the tribute to mark International Women’s Day, which he noted, is intended to celebrate the potential of women around the world.

“I would like to use this special day to join the international community in celebrating women all over the world.
“Their existence has made procreation in the world possible.
On this special day, “I like to especially celebrate Nigerian women whose invaluable contributions to our country have continued to have a significant impact on our growth and development.”

“We value the resilience, perseverance, and tireless sacrifices of our Nigerian women, who, in the face of our country’s many challenges, continue to inspire hope for a better future.

“According to Country Metres, women make up 49.4% of Nigeria’s total population. Such large numbers, if properly empowered, will make significant contributions to our national development.

“Education continues to be the most powerful tool for empowering everyone, particularly women. Unfortunately, the low female school enrollment in Nigeria has remained a source of concern.
According to UNICEF, 50% of Nigerian girls do not attend basic school, the most important level, accounting for approximately 7.6 million of the country’s 18 million out-of-school children.

“These challenges must be addressed to create a generation of empowered and productive women who will contribute to our country’s development, peace, and progress.

“I have always advocated for the broad inclusion of women in governance. Our dear women have continued to stand out in leadership positions and public offices. I believe that if given more opportunities, they will perform better.

“Unfortunately, political participation of women in governance has remained very low, despite the National Gender Policy, which requires 35% participation of women in all governance processes. According to reports, women made up only about 10% of the over 15,000 candidates who ran for various elective positions in the 2023 elections. More women must be allowed to play active roles in governance.

“Encouraging and supporting our women’s entrepreneurial spirit will have a significant impact on our economic development. According to reports, women own 41% of micro-businesses in Nigeria, with approximately 23 million female entrepreneurs in the SME sector who, with adequate support, will help us transition from consumer to producer.

“United with our women, our journey to the New Nigeria becomes even more attainable. Happy International Women’s Day.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.

Obi said it is unacceptable that Nigerian children will be unable to learn in a safe environment due to criminals.

The LP standard bearer charged relevant authorities with going above and beyond to ensure that children attend school and learn in a conducive environment and that citizens worship their creator and conduct their businesses without interference.

The former Anambra State Governor wrote on the X handle platform: “Just yesterday, I was lamenting the terrible spate of killings, terror attacks, and abductions in the country, while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the menace.

“We are once again confronted with the disturbing news of the kidnapping of over 200 pupils and students, as well as a teacher, from local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
There was also an attack on a mosque in Kaduna on Friday.

He expressed his curiosity about the situation in Kaduna State, which has the most military and other security institutions in the country.
“While every effort should be made to ensure the children’s safe release, improved security measures must be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Obi stated that “insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, and its negative impact on education will be even more devastating to the nation.”

“We already have an army of more than 18 million out-of-school children as a result of school closures due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only exacerbate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and worsen the country’s security situation.

“I once again urge the government, both state and federal, to pursue every possible avenue to ensure the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren. I urge every Nigerian to continue to work and pray for the country so that we can all overcome our challenges.

“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams in a safe and secure environment. This is our responsibility in the New Nigeria, which is possible.