By Fatima Muraina

Investing in women through various empowerment means has been described as a panacea that would engender the development of Nigeria.

This assertion was argued by stakeholders and Nigerian Women at the 2024 National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria Biennial Convention with the theme: ‘Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress’ held at the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development in Abuja.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy Okemini said the convention theme strongly resonates with the ministry’s strategic action to empower Nigerian women.

She listed several programmes of the ministry under the Renewed Hope administration of Tinubu, encouraging Nigerian women to keen into them, some which included skills training, empowerment with sowing machines, enrollment for women, women cooperative, Agricultural initiatives in collaboration with the army and Aquaculture that will produce 50 tonnes of fish among many others.

According to her, women cannot be included in politics without empowerment to increase their number in politics which she affirmed is below comprehension.

Women, she said should invest in themselves so that others can invest in them too.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, NCWS standing Committee of Communication, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola called on women to support themselves by holding their hands to get the goal.

The Regional Coordinator, The Amina Agbo Foundation (affiliate), Dr (Mrs) Sarah Ogah- Aduwor called for more collaboration among themselves and relevant government agencies, charging them to invest in themselves, build capacity, and invest in the children.

The Executive Secretary, of Civil Society Society Calling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, Mr Sunday Okoronkwo, represented by Mr Sunday Okoronko, described the convention as an eye opener, saying empowering women is vital to actualizing and scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria.

A former National President of NCWS, Chief Mrs. Nkechi Okemini disclosed that the organisation is working with the government on seat and was the architect of the creation of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline said the theme of the celebration was apt and called on women to let their voices be heard so that they could be acknowledged and empowered for development.

She encouraged women to love one another and be there for one another to turn the country around.