Int’l Women’s Day: Entrepreneurial Spirit of Our Women Will Greatly Impact Economic Development – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has revealed that adequate support of the entrepreneurial spirit of women in Nigeria will greatly impact the economic development of the country.

Mr. Obi made this known in a series of posts on popular microblogging website, X formerly Twitter on Friday in celebration of 2024 International Women’s Day themed ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

“International Women’s Day is set out to celebrate the immense importance of womenfolk globally. I like therefore to use this unique day to join the international community in celebrating women all over the World.

“Only their existence has made procreation in the World possible. On a special day like this, I like to especially celebrate Nigerian women whose inestimable contributions to our nation have continued to greatly impact our growth and development.

“We appreciate the resilience, perseverance, and tireless energy and sacrifices of our Nigerian women, who in the face of the many challenges facing our nation, continue to resonate with hope for a better nation,” he posted.

According to him, a report by Country Meters shows that women account for 49.4% of the total population in Nigeria, hence such significant numbers if adequately empowered will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.

The former Anambra Governor added: “Education remains the greatest empowerment for all, especially our women. Sadly, the poor female school enrolment in Nigeria has remained a source of worry.

“UNICEF reports that 50% of Nigerian girls are not attending school at the basic level, which is the most important, with girls accounting for about 7.6 million of the about 18 million out-of-school children in the country.

“These challenges must therefore be addressed, to raise a generation of empowered and productive women who will contribute to our national development, peace, and progress.”

He disclosed that he has always made a case for a broad inclusion of women in governance, stressing that they have continued to distinguish themselves in leadership positions and public offices.

“When given more opportunities, I believe they will do more,” the politician emphasized.

He further stated: “Unfortunately, political participation of women in governance has remained very low, despite the National Gender Policy which demands 35 percent involvement of women in all governance processes.

“It is reported that in the 2023 elections, of the over 15,000 candidates who contested for different elective positions, only about 10 percent were women. More women, therefore, must be given the chance to play active roles in governance.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of our women, when encouraged and supported will greatly impact our economic development. It is reported that women account for 41% of ownership of micro-businesses in Nigeria with about 23 million female entrepreneurs in the SME sector, who with adequate support, will aid our journey from consumption to production. United with our women, therefore, our journey to the New Nigeria becomes even more possible.”