Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for the formulation of policies that prioritise the needs and contributions of women as a pivotal step toward addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
The emir made the call yesterday at the 2024 national conference of Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation (NNIIF), a group of Igbo women by ancestry or marriage, themed “Driving Transformation Through Value Reorientation, Inclusive Leadership and Sustainability”, in Abuja.
He underscored the critical role women play in societal progress and emphasised the need for their inclusion in policymaking.
“Until we begin to look at the woman as the center point for development and build our policies around women, we will never address these issues,” Sanusi stated.
He highlighted that tackling the challenges faced by women during pregnancy and early motherhood could lead to significant societal improvements, including a reduction in child malnutrition and mortality rates.
Sanusi also described educating the girl child as a “silver bullet” for addressing many of Nigeria’s systemic issues. “Educating girls up to the age of 18 to 20 has such a wide intergenerational impact that it reduces issues like infant mortality, maternal mortality, drug addiction, and even poverty,” he explained, urging policymakers to adopt long-term, proactive strategies.
Beyond policy reforms, the emir called for a fundamental shift in societal values, urging leaders and citizens to prioritise character and integrity over material wealth or titles.
“It is not what you are, but who you are that matters,” he remarked, stressing the importance of honesty, kindness, and responsibility in leadership.
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, called for leadership approach that prioritises inclusivity, unity, and equity as keys to national development.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Kalu urged all sectors of society to collaborate toward a shared vision of national development.
He said leadership must become a shared responsibility, and we must promote inclusivity in governance and decision-making to ensure every voice is heard and every community is represented.
He emphasised integrity, communal responsibility, and respect for diversity as essential guiding principles for leadership.
Speaking on the importance of women’s active participation in governance, he said, the role of women cannot be overstated in achieving the objectives of unity, development, and inclusivity, stressing that women’s voices must influence key decisions in society.
Kalu restated the 10th National Assembly’s efforts to create a more inclusive political environment. He noted that the Assembly was focused on passing laws to increase gender equality and promote women’s participation in governance.
On her part, the founder of the Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo Foundation, Iyom Anenih, emphasised the importance of gender collaboration in fostering development.
“Just as a bird cannot fly with one wing, humans cannot prosper without the collaborative effort of both genders,” Anenih said, stressing the complementary roles of men and women are essential for systemic functionality and progress.
She also called for a return to core values to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.