In a plea addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Women Leaders Assembly of Nigeria (WLAN) has called for greater inclusivity and professionalism, urging for the involvement of the country’s youthful population in the new administration.
The WLAN, representing various women groups and female youths across Nigeria, emphasized the need to bridge the skills gap between the present generation and the older politicians, who have long maintained political control in the country.
During a program held in the South East geopolitical zone, WLAN advocated for a trans-generational leadership approach that could lead the nation towards the vision cherished by its forefathers.
The group expressed concern over the recurring trend of self-serving actions by current politicians, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize the welfare and aspirations of Nigerians at large.
In a joint press release, Convener Dr. Chichi Esther Ukamadu and Secretary Hajia Maimuna Tahir emphasized the strategic importance of equipping both women and the youth with the necessary skills for effective governance, employment, and entrepreneurship.
This, they believed, would facilitate a smooth transition of power from the older generation to the young, fostering productivity and propelling the country to the ranks of respected nations.
The WLAN urged President Tinubu to cooperate closely with the women and youth population of Nigeria while also respecting the 35 percent Affirmative Action on Women in governance, to which the country is a signatory.
They pointed to Kogi State as an exemplary case, praising Governor Yahaya Bello’s implementation of the affirmative action, which they deemed worthy of emulation.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s “Hope Agenda,” the organization lauded its positive impact on Nigerians, especially the less privileged.
However, they stressed that failure to harness the potential of the women and youth population would be seen as a betrayal of the nation’s trust in the Tinubu administration.
The WLAN also expressed concerns about certain politicians seeking office, noting allegations of corruption and maladministration hanging over their previous positions.
As the world undergoes rapid technological, economic, and social transformations, the group called for the encouragement and empowerment of organizations such as the Ministry of Youths and Sports, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), which are seen as change agents.
WLAN reiterated that Nigeria’s women and youth population must be equipped with the right skills, experience, and networks to play leading roles in the current administration’s efforts to drive positive change in the country and the continent as a whole.
They said “as the world undergoes rapid technological, economic and social transformations, such organizations in the country like the Ministry of Youths and Sports, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and few others who are daily basking in the euphoria as change agents should be encouraged to do more.
“WLAN therefore reiterates that the women and youthful population need the right skills, experience, network and must be at the forefront of Nigeria’s and global efforts needed to reposition not only this administration, but the entire continent, must be adequately captured as the current President is a change agent and needs change champions that are motivated and highly skilled.”