Osinbajo urges Tinubu to focus on the welfare of Nigerians during economic difficulties
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize improving the well-being of Nigerians as the country faces serious economic struggles.
At the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo stressed the urgent need for social welfare programs and accessible healthcare, as Nigerians are burdened with rising costs for basic needs such as food, transport, and housing.
“The cost of living is crushing Nigerians’ hopes for survival,” Osinbajo said. He pointed out the growing problem of food insecurity, especially among children, and called for stronger support systems to ensure everyone’s basic needs are met.
Osinbajo also addressed the country’s literacy issues, particularly in the northern region, where more than 67% of women are illiterate. He warned that development would be difficult, if not impossible, in a country where a large part of the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy.
To solve these issues, Osinbajo called for large-scale social interventions focused on improving literacy and economic empowerment.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for showing resilience in creating positive change. He said that success isn’t just about having dreams or starting businesses, but about being strong and determined in facing challenges. He also spoke about the pressures Nigerian entrepreneurs face to appear successful, even when their business finances may not support such an image.
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, the Executive Director of WIMBIZ, also spoke at the event about the challenges women face in leadership, including stereotypes and self-doubt. She explained that the conference theme was meant to encourage both women and men to pursue their goals confidently.
Akingbohungbe emphasized WIMBIZ’s work to change the national narrative by advocating for policies that include women in decision-making roles. She highlighted WIMBIZ’s push for a minimum of 35% female representation in leadership positions, which she believes would strengthen governance by combining the strengths of both genders.
She compared Nigeria’s 6% female representation in parliament to countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, where women hold over 45% of seats. Akingbohungbe stressed that this is not about competing genders, but about recognizing the value that both genders bring to leadership.
The WIMBIZ conference highlighted the importance of inclusive policies, social welfare, and economic empowerment as key factors for Nigeria’s progress.
