Osinbajo to Tinubu: Prioritize Nigerians’ welfare amid economic hardship

Osinbajo to Tinubu: Prioritize Nigerians’ welfare amid economic hardship

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged President Bola
Tinubu to focus on improving Nigerians’ welfare as the country grapples with
significant economic challenges.

 

Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and
Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo highlighted the urgent need for
social welfare programs and accessible healthcare as Nigerians struggle with
rising costs in essentials like food, transportation, and housing.

 

“The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for
survival,” Osinbajo remarked. He emphasized the growing issue of food
insecurity, particularly affecting children, and called for stronger support
systems to ensure basic needs are met.

 

Addressing the country’s literacy challenges, especially in
the northern region, Osinbajo noted that over 67% of women in northern Nigeria
are illiterate. “A country where half the population is socially and
economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if
not impossible,” he warned.

 

To tackle this, he stressed the need for large-scale social
interventions that address systemic issues, including literacy and economic
empowerment.

 

Reflecting on the theme of the conference, “Dream, Dare,
Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for exemplifying resilience in pursuing impactful
change. “It’s not just about having dreams or starting enterprises—it’s about
resilience and the courage to persevere through challenges,” he said. He also
addressed the unique pressures faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs, who often feel
compelled to maintain an image of success that exceeds their business’s
financial reality. “There is immense pressure on Nigerian business owners to
sustain an appearance of success that their businesses cannot always support,”
he added.

 

Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, also
spoke at the event, focusing on the obstacles women face in leadership,
including stereotypes and self-doubt. She explained that the conference theme
aimed to inspire both women and men to pursue their goals confidently.

 

“WIMBIZ is working to change the narrative on national
impact by advocating for policies that include women in decision-making roles,”
Akingbohungbe said. She noted that WIMBIZ continues to push for a minimum of
35% representation of women in leadership positions, a target she hopes will
strengthen governance by bringing together the unique strengths of both
genders.

 

Akingbohungbe contrasted Nigeria’s 6% female representation
in parliament with countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, where
women hold over 45% of seats. “This isn’t about pitting one gender against the
other—it’s about recognizing the value that both bring to leadership,” she
asserted.

 

The WIMBIZ conference underscored the critical need for
inclusive policies, robust social welfare, and economic empowerment as pillars
for Nigeria’s development.

Source: Osinbajo to Tinubu: Prioritize Nigerians’ welfare amid economic hardship

 - NigerianEye

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