In a significant step towards advancing women empowerment and inclusion in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has announced his intention to seek presidential approval for the establishment of a Directorate for Women Affairs in the region.
During a recent visit to the State House in Abuja, Wike, accompanied by the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmood, discussed the need for collaboration with First Lady Remi Tinubu.
According to a statement by the media aide of the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, the absence of a dedicated directorate for women affairs in the FCT was a central topic of their conversation.
“We want to collaborate with her on how to take care of women and work with her to ensure that the Renewed Hope agenda is achieved,” Minister Wike explained.
“The FCT wants to play its own role in that agenda.”
The proposed directorate aims to create an atmosphere that empowers women and recognizes their essential role in the broader development of the agricultural sector and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
While awaiting presidential approval for this initiative, Wike expressed his desire for the First Lady to consider him and his ministry as part of her team, emphasizing the importance of women’s inclusion.
The First Lady applauded Wike for prioritising women’s inclusion and empowerment.
She noted that the FCT’s collaboration with Israel on agriculture was a promising endeavor with vast prospects.
She expressed her eagerness to discuss agriculture further with the honorable minister, highlighting the extensive efforts made, including studying successful models in Belarus.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude for the FCT’s commitment to establishing a directorate for women affair.
She said: “just this morning I saw a newsflash that the FCT Minister is collaborating with Israel on agriculture and I said I would love to discuss agriculture with the honorable minister.
“Although women and children is what we do, but it is not just women. We went as far as Belarus to study what they are doing.
“They have so much to offer in different areas and they are willing to assist, going as far as offering us scholarships at the Renewed Hope Initiative”.
“What you have done today has really brought a lot of ease to our work because once you have the directorate there, we would know how to reach them. That is why I think that God has a hand in what we are doing. You have really lightened my burden”, the statement read.