NEWS

Osinbajo Urges Tinubu To Pay Attention To Welfare Of Nigerians Amidst Hunger

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on improving Nigerians’ welfare as the country grapples with significant economic challenges.

Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo highlighted the urgent need for social welfare programs and accessible healthcare as Nigerians struggle with rising costs in essentials like food, transportation, and housing.

“The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for survival,” Osinbajo remarked. He emphasized the growing issue of food insecurity, particularly affecting children, and called for stronger support systems to ensure basic needs are met.

Addressing the country’s literacy challenges, especially in the northern region, Osinbajo noted that over 67% of women in northern Nigeria are illiterate. “A country where half the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if not impossible,” he warned.

To tackle this, he stressed the need for large-scale social interventions that address systemic issues, including literacy and economic empowerment.

Reflecting on the theme of the conference, “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for exemplifying resilience in pursuing impactful change. “It’s not just about having dreams or starting enterprises—it’s about resilience and the courage to persevere through challenges,” he said. He also addressed the unique pressures faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs, who often feel compelled to maintain an image of success that exceeds their business’s financial reality. “There is immense pressure on Nigerian business owners to sustain an appearance of success that their businesses cannot always support,” he added.

Sponsored

Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, also spoke at the event, focusing on the obstacles women face in leadership, including stereotypes and self-doubt. She explained that the conference theme aimed to inspire both women and men to pursue their goals confidently.

“WIMBIZ is working to change the narrative on national impact by advocating for policies that include women in decision-making roles,” Akingbohungbe said. She noted that WIMBIZ continues to push for a minimum of 35% representation of women in leadership positions, a target she hopes will strengthen governance by bringing together the unique strengths of both genders.

Akingbohungbe contrasted Nigeria’s 6% female representation in parliament with countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, where women hold over 45% of seats. “This isn’t about pitting one gender against the other—it’s about recognizing the value that both bring to leadership,” she asserted.

The WIMBIZ conference underscored the critical need for inclusive policies, robust social welfare, and economic empowerment as pillars for Nigeria’s development.

SPONSORED
Alex Enemanna

A print journalist with vast knowledge of political developments in Nigeria. Passionate about equity and fairness through robust developmental journalism.

Recent Posts

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Not Responsible For Hunger, Stampede — FG

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned politicians against linking stampedes…

1 hour ago

Ohafia Community In Mourning As Trailer Crushes Many Christmas Travelers To Death (Photos, Video)

Ohafia, Abia State, was plunged into mourning on Sunday following a tragic accident involving a…

2 hours ago

After 25 Years, Democracy Yet To Meet Citizen’s Expectations — Bugaje

An Islamic scholar and political activist, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has highlighted the inability of the…

7 hours ago

Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Full Of Unrealistic Expectations, Says SDP’s Adebayo

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, Prince…

9 hours ago

VP Shettima Saddened Over Stampedes That Killed Dozens Of People, Says It’s National Tragedy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the victims of the recent tragic stampedes that claimed…

10 hours ago

Yuletide: NACA Urges Nigerians To prioritize Their Health, Know Their HIV Status

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has advised Nigerians to prioritize their health…

11 hours ago