President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Nigerian women in commemorating International Women's Day (IWD), which is observed annually on March 8 and recognizes the invaluable role women have played in advancing the country's progress since independence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, the President pledged the government's commitment to promoting gender equality, respect for women's rights, and working diligently to remove all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from realizing their universal rights.
On the theme of IWD 2023, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," President Buhari believes his administration has capitalized on the creation of a digital economy ministry to promote the importance of digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship for girls.
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, the President trusted 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.
President Buhari hailed the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented.
“The President is proud to have worked and associated with some of Nigeria’s brightest women in his cabinet, government and the international community?” the statement said.
He thanked 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.
President Buhari welcomed the contributions of role models and women who have demonstrated that through hard work, dedication and honesty, greatness can be achieved.