Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday urged women to embrace education as a key tool for becoming equal and effective partners in Nigeria’s development.
He made the appeal at the inauguration of the World Women Organization (WWO), Nigeria chapter, held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where he was the guest of honor.
Amaechi cited global figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the WTO and Amina Mohammed, Deputy UN Secretary-General, as examples showing that educated women can excel internationally.
“Education, not marriage, is key to women’s growth. When educated, women become responsible wives and impactful citizens. Women are equal partners in society and deserve positions of influence irrespective of gender,” he said.
He added, “If elected President, I will ensure 50 per cent of political appointments are allocated to women.”
China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said women worldwide share a collective future and must support each other’s advancement. She noted that the event aligns with the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing last October, which marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women.
“China integrates national development with gender equality and champions women’s causes on the global stage. I am proud, as China’s first female Consul-General in Lagos, to witness women’s empowerment in Nigeria,” she said.
She highlighted achievements of Chinese women, noting that they make up over 40 per cent of the workforce, the majority of internet start-up founders, and 60 per cent of Olympic medalists.
WWO founder, Rachel Akem-Harumi, said the Nigeria chapter aims to inspire women to succeed and become global leaders.
“Our inauguration fuels a movement in Africa’s largest nation, where women are already excelling in various industries. Our Women Own Wealth initiative equips women in project management, fundraising, AI, and technological efficiency,” she said.
It was reported that participants at the event brainstormed strategies and proposed solutions to advance women’s empowerment nationwide.
