His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Her Excellency Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chair of the HID Awolowo Foundation
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
My heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Dosumu and the HID Awolowo Foundation for this kind invitation, it is a pleasure to join you for this important occasion as we celebrate the life and legacy of Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo on what would have been her 109th birthday.
Excellencies,
Today is a moment to celebrate the life, contributions and legacy of Yeye Oodua – a remarkable leader whose grace, resilience and vision remain an inspiration to us all.
It is a moment to salute Nigeria’s progress over the last century.
But guided by Yeye Oodua’s example of clear-eyed action, today must also be a moment to take a sober look at the challenges that are still with us.
Today also marks the 25th Anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender- based Violence – a stark reminder that we are continuing to fail half of the global population in a number of ways.
Globally, we are witnessing not only stagnation but reversals in the hard-won progress on women’s rights. Conflicts, economic downturns, and rising inequality are all making matters worse.
In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, our challenges remain significant; 65 per cent of women live below the poverty line. We rank 125th on the Global Gender Gap Index. Female legislators hold seats in only 13 out of the 36 state houses of assembly—an important step, but still a far cry from the full representation women deserve.
These are more than statistics; they reflect the systemic barriers of discrimination, violence, and limited opportunities that hold back the potential of our women and girls.
At the same time, I believe that the key to addressing these challenges can be found in the inspiring example and legacy of Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo.
Her unique balance of grace and grit, and her commitment to hard work and public service, exemplify the transformative power of women.
Her life was one of profound impact—one that transcended titles and accolades. She was a woman who understood that leadership is not defined by one’s position but by one’s purpose. She stood tall beside Chief Obafemi Awolowo, not as a shadow but as an equal and strategic partner in the fight for social justice and equity in Nigeria.
Together, they envisioned a future of hope, equality, and opportunity, a vision that Yeye Oodua carried on even after his passing.
Excellencies, Friends,
Yeye Oodua was also a trailblazer in business, establishing Dideolu Stores, one of the first Nigerian-owned import and export enterprises. She took every opportunity to showcase the power of women in economic development — mentoring and creating new opportunities for a generation of women.
She also supported grassroots women’s groups, market associations and community organizations. Every chapter of her remarkable story shares a common thread.
Women are not only caregivers.
Women are necessary and powerful architects of societal progress.
We can find similar power and inspiration in the stories of other Nigerian women — from Margaret Ekpo to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to Hajiya Gambo Sawaba and Hajiya Laila Dogonyaro.
They, too, were warriors, builders, decision-makers and trailblazers.
They remind us that change is possible for those willing to put their shoulders to the wheel of progress.
All of you are part of this great effort. Let us dignify their leadership in our actions.
Let me add to the illustrious panels to come the action we need in four key areas.
First — we need the leadership and representation of women.
I urge you to advocate for targeted and intentional measures to ensure women’s participation at every decision-making table — from the halls of government to the boardrooms of business.
Second — we need partnerships for change.
Governments, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, religious leaders and international organizations must all work as one to drive systemic change.
This includes the United Nations.
I encourage all of you to reach out to our UN Country Team and Resident Coordinator here in Nigeria to help us continue accelerating action towards gender equality.
Third — we need to end the scourge of gender-based violence, once and for all.
It’s time to ensure that protecting women and girls from violence and exploitation is embedded across budgets, investments, plans and policies.
Not as a “nice to have.”
But as an absolute priority, essential to progress.
And fourth — we need men, all men, to stand with us as allies.
We will never achieve true gender equality — and fairness, equity and justice for all — without all people, regardless of gender, standing as one.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Supporting women is not just the right thing to do.
It’s the smart thing to do.
Societies cannot achieve the just and equal society envisioned and exemplified by HID Awolowo by leaving one- half of the world’s population behind.
Let’s follow her example and let’s work to unlock the potential of women — all women — and make real Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo’s inspiring and timeless vision.
Thank you.
and then