IWD: Tinubu celebrates Nigerian women
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Nigerian women, describing them as the cornerstone of the nation’s progress and prosperity.
The President’s maiden message to mark International Women’s Day is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu celebrates Nigerian women, says they are the pivot of the nation.’
Underscoring the occasion with the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, Tinubu noted the exceptional contributions of Nigerian women across various fields of endeavour.
He emphasised that their achievements are not only national assets but also serve as global symbols of resilience, strength, courage, and ingenuity.
According to Tinubu, these accomplishments underscore the remarkable quality of Nigerian women as beacons of hope and agents of change worldwide.
This year’s theme, he said, “fits well within his administration’s policy initiatives on educating and empowering women, not only through inclusion in governance but also by ensuring that they remain relevant and unimpeachable voices in the development process across all sectors of the economy.”
The president stated that his government is focused on providing investments in educating the girl child while fostering inclusive programmes and initiatives that bolster their active roles in the areas of knowledge, science, technology, research and innovation into the future.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8 every year, marking a focal point in the movement for women’s rights.
The day owes its origins to the early 20th century, during the labour movements across North America and Europe.
Although the first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, designated by the Socialist Party of America in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, the concept of an International Women’s Day only can be traced back to Clara Zetkin, a German Marxist and advocate for women’s rights, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen in 1910.
It was agreed upon by over 100 women from 17 countries, highlighting the universal demand for women’s suffrage and rights.
Consequently, the first IWD was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in several European countries.
Over the years, however, IWD has evolved from a day of protests and suffrage marches to a global day of celebration, recognising women’s achievements and continuing the fight for gender parity.
For the IWD 2024, Tinubu celebrated with Nigerian women, assuring them that his administration will always prioritise their welfare, protect their rights and advance their causes.
