Nigeria’s governing party, the All Progressives Congress, APC says women are being given a greater voice in its affairs.
The APC National Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator James Akpanudoedehe said this in the party’s message to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day.
He said the leadership of the party and other members of the party are determined to make women more involved in its activities which can be seen by various appointments.
“From the composition of the Party’s various membership registration committees, to the Governor Yahaya Bello-led Committee on Women, Youths and People With Disabilities (PWDs) sensitisation and the on-going APC Constitution review excercise (which amendments will consider better women inclusiveness), there’s a clear statement that women are being given greater voice and participation in the affairs of our party. This is as can be gleaned from Article 7 (vii) of the APC Constitution which essentially provides for the interest of women, youths and PWDs and which is inline with the 35% affirmative action” he said.
The APC National Secretary also noted that as the party in government, the president has made tremendous efforts in involving women in governance.
“No fewer than 50 women are currently serving in top positions such as ministers, head of service of the federation, special advisers and as heads of departments and agencies.
“To name a few, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, that of Environment, Federal Capital Territory (state), Minister for Transportation (State), Minister for Women Affairs and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment.
“Other key appointments include; the Head of Service of the federation, Special Advisers to Mr. President (Mariam Uwais and Jumoke Oduwole), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman and the Chairman of the Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri- Erewa, are just a few of the many others.
“It is also noteworthy that President Buhari has unrelentlessly held the ladder for our women to soar internationally as seen in his untrammeled support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to emerge as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation” he said.
The APC promised to continue to support women to reach their highest potential.
Nnenna.O
