Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum on Monday said the ongoing administration would make more progress if it involves more women in decision making.
While joining the world in the celebration of International Women’s Day, the governors’ wives in a statement implored the leaders at all levels of government to provide adequate resources that would empower women and girls in society.
Part of the statement read, “We, therefore, call on the federal and state governments to demonstrate the political will to ensure that the needs of the Nigerian women are addressed, involve more women in policy and decision-making at all levels.”
The statement was jointly signed by First Lady of Ekiti State and Chair, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; First Lady Niger State and Chair, Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Dr Amina Abubakar Bello; and First Lady Edo State and Chair, Southern Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs Betsy Obaseki.
The First Ladies while bearing their minds on the COVID-19 vaccine said women should not be sidelined in the vaccination.
They added that they would lead the vaccine taking for women in their various states to show that it is safe for consumption.
“As we manage the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic during these difficult times, we call on all the authorities concerned to make the COVID-19 vaccine widely available and ensure there is equity in access.
“The vaccine should not be yet another resource that women do not have easy access to in Nigeria. We also urge all women to take the vaccine when it is available, we ourselves will be taking the vaccine to demonstrate that it is safe,” they said.