THE President Goodluck Jonathan administration has pledged that Nigerian women will be entitled to prominent roles in national development as part of the government transformation agenda.
To this end, more than 35 percent of the affirmative action demanded for by women in Nigeria will be met by the government, according to President Jonathan.
The president made the promise on Thursday in Lagos, where he was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the launch of the women chapter of the Nigerian Centenary Celebrations.
”On this auspicious occasion, we cannot forget great women like Queen Amina, Queen Idia, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, Emotan, Queen Kambassa and several others,” he said.
“I know that you have been clamouring for 35 per cent, but we will give you more than the 35 per cent being agitated for,” the Vice President stated.
”I acknowledge your contributions; we know you are not competing with us but trying to complement us. I urge that you do not neglect your homes and we will continue to be partners in progress.”
First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was also present at the occasion, said that the Nigerian women could not achieve the idea behind the affirmative action until the necessary laws were passed by the National Assembly.
”It is important, for me, to state that no matter the level of gains we achieve in this administration, we will be limited in going forward,” Mrs. Jonathan said.
She also urged the National Assembly to play its part by giving legislative endorsement to the affirmative action.
The first lady also called on the assembly to ensure the domestication of instruments and frameworks on gender opportunities.
She further appealed to the National Assembly to initiate efforts to provide legislative guarantee for effective girl-child education.
”This is the only way to start them on a sound footing as they prepare to become responsible stakeholders in nation building.” the first lady said.