By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Lift Africa Foundation has expressed deep disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent submission of nominees to constitute the board of the North West Development Commission, a list alarmingly devoid of any women. This significant oversight undermines the vital role women play in driving sustainable development and advancing societal progress.
Aisha Hamman, Founder and Executive Director of Lift Africa Foundation, stated, “In a year as critical as 2024, the exclusion of women from key decision-making platforms such as the North West Development Commission board raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to true and meaningful development.”
The North West region faces some of the highest maternal mortality rates and the lowest levels of girl-child literacy in Nigeria. In these challenging circumstances, the inclusion of women’s voices and perspectives is crucial for shaping policies that directly impact their lives and communities.
Hamman emphasized, “The absence of women on this board undermines efforts to create equitable and inclusive development. Women are not passive beneficiaries of progress; they are essential agents of change. Their involvement at all levels of decision-making is critical to formulating comprehensive solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges.”
The foundation argues that it is both disappointing and unacceptable that, in this modern era, the need for gender inclusion still requires advocacy. This exclusion contradicts principles of equality and jeopardizes claims of meaningful progress.
The Lift Africa Foundation urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Government to take immediate corrective action to address this glaring imbalance and ensure women are adequately represented on the North West Development Commission board.
“Inclusive development is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental necessity for Nigeria’s future,” Hamman emphasized.
The Lift Africa Foundation remains committed to collaborating with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote gender equality and empower women to contribute fully to the development processes that shape their futures.
For further inquiries or information, please contact:
Aisha Hamman
Executive Director
Lift Africa Foundation
08033614864
Aisha@liftafricafoundation.org
