By Timothy Choji, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says mutual understanding and cooperation between the female and male genders can lead to progress in all spheres of human endeavour.
She was speaking at the unveiling of the Oluremi Tinubu Gender and Public Policy Studies Centre of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS Kuru, in Plateau State.
The First Lady commended the approach of the Center to Gender Issues and Research, as it has included both males and females.
“The establishment of this Gender Centre represents a bold step towards bringing gender issues to the forefront of every facet of our society, towards achieving equity.
“I am particularly pleased that the Centre’s approach includes both men and women, recognising that inclusion must be a shared national agenda.
“Actual progress will come when both genders stand as allies, working together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen our collective humanity,” the First Lady stated.
She applauded the initiators of the project, the participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 (2024) of NIPSS, for establishing the centre.
“The establishment of this Gender Centre represents a bold step towards bringing gender issues to the forefront of every facet of our society, towards achieving equity.
“This project would not have become a reality if not for the foresight of participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 (2024) who conceived, funded, and executed what we are all seeing today. I applaud your vision and generosity. This gesture of yours will no doubt leave a lasting legacy on our nation’s policy landscape.
“The vision of this Centre aligns with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to harness the full potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or economic status,” she stated.
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Mrs Tinubu noted that with the Gender Centre in place, there would be more transformative public policy research and inclusive national development.
In his goodwill message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, noted that he is looking forward to the Gender Center enhancing the public discourse on reserved seats for females in the legislature and executive arm of government, adding that women remain pivotal to national and societal development.
The Chairman of the Board of NIPSS and former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, commended the choice of naming the center after Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a go-getter.
He called for urgent attention to the citadel of learning, noting that many structures within the Institute, which will be 50 years old shortly, need renovation and refurbishment.
To this end, the First Lady of Nigeria donated N250m to the Gender Center.
Lateefah Ibrahim