Nigeria won’t realise full potential without gender inclusion — Senate Leader

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Thursday said no country, including Nigeria, can meaningfully realise its full potential when a significant proportion of its population is unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.

The Senate Leader noted that women’s participation in public governance and leadership should be viewed as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength, rather than an act of favour.

Bamidele spoke at the presentation of the book, “The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity”, held at Nigeria House, New York, United States, according to his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

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The event was attended by prominent dignitaries and diplomats, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms Amina Mohammed; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are; and the President/CEO of Montefiore Einstein.

Bamidele, who chaired the book presentation, said Nigeria’s democracy could only be strengthened when citizens were adequately represented in institutions established to serve them.

The Leader told the session that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, had recognised that the country’s development must draw on the abilities and contributions of all its citizens, including women and young people.

According to him, the President has consistently affirmed that women and young people must not be relegated to the background in the political, economic and national life of the country, but should be given front seats.

Bamidele stressed, however, that having women occupy positions in public institutions was not enough, arguing that they must have genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making, exercise responsibility and contribute to public policy.

Senator Bamidele explained, “Gender inclusion is not an act of favour. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength.

*No nation can realise its full potential if a significant proportion of its population is unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.”

Bamidele added that Nigeria’s foreign relations would be enriched when the country was represented by capable professionals whose knowledge, judgment and experience reflected the breadth of its national talent.

He pointed out that the National Assembly had a vital role to play through legislation, representation and oversight, particularly by helping to create an environment where competence was recognised, and opportunities were broadened.

Bamidele said the responsibility extended beyond government to political institutions, the diplomatic service, private sector, academic institutions and civil society.

“Progress will require deliberate policies, supportive institutions and a collective willingness to recognise talent wherever it is found,” he further stated.