Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on President Bola Tinubu to make Nigerians’ welfare a top priority as the country faces severe economic hardships. Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo emphasized the urgent need for social welfare programs and accessible healthcare to address the rising costs of essentials such as food, transportation, and housing.
Osinbajo highlighted how the escalating cost of living is diminishing the hope for survival among Nigerians, with food insecurity becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly affecting children. He advocated for robust support systems to ensure that basic needs are met for all citizens.
He also pointed out the literacy challenges facing the nation, especially in northern Nigeria, where over 67% of women are illiterate. Osinbajo stressed that a nation where a significant portion of the population is economically and socially marginalized due to illiteracy will struggle to achieve meaningful development. To combat this, he called for substantial social interventions that address systemic issues, including literacy and economic empowerment.
During the conference themed “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for their resilience in driving impactful change. He spoke on the pressures faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs to project success beyond their financial capabilities, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance through challenges.
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, also addressed the conference, focusing on the barriers women face in leadership roles, such as stereotypes and self-doubt. She explained that the conference theme was designed to inspire both women and men to pursue their ambitions confidently. Akingbohungbe highlighted WIMBIZ’s advocacy for policies that involve women in decision-making roles, aiming for a minimum of 35% representation of women in leadership positions.
Akingbohungbe compared Nigeria’s 6% female representation in parliament with countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, where women hold over 45% of seats. She emphasized that this is not about gender competition but about recognizing the unique strengths both genders bring to leadership.
The WIMBIZ conference emphasis the importance of inclusive policies, robust social welfare programs, and economic empowerment as essential components for Nigeria’s development. The discussions at the conference highlighted the critical need for strategic actions to uplift the welfare of Nigerians and foster equitable development.
