- Awolowo-Dosunmu: my mum, dad icons of integrity, service
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Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday called for concerted efforts against gender-based violence.
Other Nigerians who also sought actions against perpetration of such violence included the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun; the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Kafilat Ogbara, and the Chairperson of the HID Awolowo Foundation Advisory Council, Senator Daisy Danjuma.
Shettima said the Federal Government was committed to fighting for gender equity through transformative policies.
He said women are indispensable in building a balanced and equitable society.
The Vice President said this yesterday in Abuja during the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation webinar in commemoration of the 109th posthumous birthday of Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late Premier of defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He called for renewed national efforts to create an inclusive society where women are empowered to lead and thrive, saying: “Every nation’s treatment of women serves as the ultimate marker of its civilisation.”
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said: “We cannot claim to have evolved as a nation unless we recommit ourselves to creating a society that offers women unconditional dignity and opportunity.”
He paid a glowing tribute to the late H.I.D. Awolowo, describing her as a “matriarch like no other and a jewel of inestimable value”.
Shettima lauded the contributions of the late sage’s wife to modern Nigeria, saying her unwavering support for her husband and her advocacy for women’s rights remained indelible.
“Mrs. Awolowo’s courage and influence were instrumental in shaping policies, like free education in the Western Region. This is what an empowered woman can achieve,” he said.
Commenting on the historical struggles for women’s rights, the Vice President alluded to the activism of global pioneers, like Susan B. Anthony and Nigerian icons, like Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba.
“These trailblazers compelled us to confront the structural inequalities holding women back. Thanks to their efforts, the conversation has expanded beyond suffrage to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against domestic violence,” he added.
Shettima acknowledged the transformative impact of technology and how digital platforms have amplified women’s voices and driven legislative victories, like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015.
“This landmark legislation is a testament to the power of women-led advocacy and their determination to create a safer, fairer society,” he said.
According to him there is a need for representation and leadership opportunities for women.
Shettima praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive governance, shaped by the legacy of his mother, the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a formidable women’s rights advocate.
“Her legal battle for personal liberty set a precedent in our constitutional history, reminding us that women’s rights are human rights and must never be negotiable,” he said.
The Vice President called for urgent action to address societal inequalities, particularly in education and leadership where women would be given same opportunities as the men.
He said: “The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied the chance to learn, no woman is denied the opportunity to lead, and no mother is denied the dignity of safety and respect.”
The Vice President urged fellow Nigerians to honour the legacy of women, like Chief H.I.D. Awolowo, and embrace a collective responsibility to empower women.
“We are working to create an environment where women are not just supported but celebrated; where their aspirations redefine societal expectations and help build a viable, equitable, and thriving nation,” Shettima added.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Hajiya Amina Mohammed, said November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
She noted that the late H.I.D. Awolowo was a fighter for social justice and human rights who took every opportunity to show the power of women in economic development.
“Every chapter of her story tells us that no bird can fly on one wing. We need the leadership and representation of women. We need partnerships for change — everyone must work for systemic change that will be sustainable.
“We need to end the scourge of gender-based violence as an absolute priority, essential for growth. Societies cannot achieve the equal and just society envisioned by H.I.D. Awolowo if we leave 50 per cent of the world’s population behind,” she said.
The Chairperson of the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation Advisory Council, Senator Daisy Danjuma, stressed that in building a more viable Nigeria, the role of women should not be overlooked.
“Together, let us chart a society where the role of women is recognised, celebrated, and utilised,” she said.
Welcoming guests to the webinar, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, described her late mother and father as giants of intellect, integrity, service, and sacrifice.
“They left us a blueprint for leadership and a legacy of hope. It is, therefore, with immense pride (and I hasten to add humility) that I speak before you today, reflecting on the legacy of these two extraordinary individuals. To be their offspring is not just a privilege; it is a profound responsibility.
“Their legacy is not meant to be confined to history books or family stories. It is a legacy that demands to be shared, understood, and applied in Nigeria and beyond. Our role, therefore, is to identify actionable plans and strategies and amplify the voices and capacities of women,” she said.
Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged fellow citizens to use the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence as a rallying point to tackle harmful behaviours that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls.
Mrs. said this at year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence.
She highlighted the global and national prevalence of such violence, which affects nearly one-third of women worldwide and persists in various forms across Nigeria.
Mrs. Tinubu outlined the need for a multi-sectoral approach in tackling the issue.
“Today, I join the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“Gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, with nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Nigeria, harmful practices, like child marriage and female genital mutilation are still prevalent, often justified by cultural or religious norms.
“Although we are making remarkable progress, many women and girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality.
“We must take collective action across all sectors of society. Reporting and timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for victims and survivors are vital to creating safer environments for women and girls.
“As we observe these 16 days of activism, I urge us to seize this period as a call to action for each of us to challenge harmful behaviours.
“For me, formal education for the girl-child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices.
“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” she said.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on November 25, will run until December 10, the Human Rights Day, with global and national activities aimed at raising awareness and inspiring change over the issues on gender-based violence.
Also, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday led other members of the House to present a petition on Gender-Based Violence to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
The Speaker said the National Assembly, particularly the Green Chamber, would ensure that policies were enacted to significantly reduce violence of all kinds against women, children, and girls.
The event was a part of activities marking this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Abbas was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere; Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, and several other members of House and senior aides.
Prominent participants in the exercise included the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; and the National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel.
The advocacy was part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence with the theme: No Excuse for Violence!
Abbas said: “This day is the day of history; a day that the National Assembly has chosen to become an active partner with other groups in the country to fight gender-based violence. This year’s programme came at a time, all over the world, women are crying, in anger and frustration. This is the year that the United Nations (UN) has issued a damning report that every 10 minutes, a woman is being killed across the world.
“This is an unacceptable trend. This is an unforgivable trend. We in the parliament must unite – more than ever before – with the relevant authorities, particularly the law enforcement agencies, in ensuring that we curb this dangerous trend to the barest minimum.
“I want to say it categorically clear that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated in the very near future.
“I also want to announce that the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, will play an active role in the next national action plan against violence against women, which will be coming up very soon. We will send our representatives. We will also participate actively in ensuring that pro-poor policies are enacted to significantly reduce the incidences of violence of all kinds against women, against children, against girls.”
The Speaker declared open the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Also, Ogbara led the delegation to the Force Headquarters in Abuja where she presented the petition on behalf of the House to the police authorities.
The lawmaker demanded thorough investigations into cases of violence against women and girls.
“We are here to present a petition for immediate intervention, investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
“We are calling on you to combat gender-based violence during the 16 days of activism and beyond. We want to bring to your attention, the harrowing plight of Nigerian women.
“A study indicates that one in every three women globally is a victim of gender-based violence in Nigeria.”
Egbetokun said the occasion was a reminder that eradicating gender-based violence is a collective effort.
He added: “It is not by law enforcement actions alone that we can eradicate gender-based violence. It is a collective obligation for everyone of us.
“Gender-based violence is a grim reality that has continued to devastate lives across the globe.
“Across the continent of Africa, countless of women and children have continued to suffer all kinds of abuses, including domestic violence, sexual assault. There are some areas where the traditions also abuse the rights of women. We have cases of genital mutilation, amongst others.
“It is a collective effort that we must all fight. We must all come together, put our actions together to eradicate this unacceptable reality in our communities.”
There are many other activities lined up for the 16 days activism against gender-based violence, which the House said it would actively be involved in for the period.
Also, Youth Development Minister Olawande said the ministry would establish a help desk for women, youths and girls to interact with the government.
The minister assured fellow Nigerians that the Bola Tinubu administration would ensure that the women and youths feel the impact of good governance.
He said: “As a ministry, we …will be coming up with a help desk whereby all the youth in this country, most especially women and girls, can communicate with us. We want to be with you.
