President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nigerian women in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD), which is observed on March 8, recognising the invaluable role women have played in advancing the country’s progress since its inception.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Buhari praised Nigerian women for working tirelessly and achieving results in a variety of fields, from those sacrificing daily in markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking barriers in education, sports, the medical field, the arts, entertainment, and even politics, where they are still largely under-represented.
Buhari said he is proud to have worked and associated with some of Nigeria’s brightest women in his cabinet, government and the international community.
He thanks the amazons who have served meritoriously as partners in the progress witnessed on the political, economic and social fronts.
He noted that, against all obstacles, these women in leadership positions have delivered in a society still largely dominated by men.
The President welcomed the contributions of role models and women who have demonstrated that through hardwork, dedication and honesty, greatness can be achieved.
He pledged the commitment of government to promoting gender equality, respect for the rights of women and working conscientiously to remove all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from realising their universal rights.
On the theme of IWD 2023, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, President Buhari said he believes that his administration has leveraged on the creation of a ministry dedicated to digital economy to promote the importance of digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship for the girl-child.
Buhari further stated that as Nigeria builds on the successes of the digital economy sector, which is the most successful in the diversification of the nation’s economy, and the Start-up Act, which creates endless opportunities to Nigerians in the technology space, he trusts that women and girls in the country will have access to equal opportunities, live their dreams and contribute immensely to the development of the country.