Senator Michael Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, and Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were honored at the 2024 Biennial Convention of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) for their commitment to women’s empowerment and rights in Nigeria.
Senator Bamidele pledged to champion the passage of gender bills in the National Assembly, emphasizing the Senate’s support for these crucial initiatives.
Meanwhile, SGF Mustapha reiterated his dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal number 5, focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The convention, themed ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, underscored the need for increased investment in women’s education, health, economic empowerment, and leadership.
Bamidele stated that the Senate is supportive of these bills and progress has already been made in that regard.
“The Senate is going to ensure that your bills are attended to. Once it gets back to us, I assure you we are going to work on it,” Senator Bamidele declared. He further encouraged participants to appeal to members of the Senate through their wives, urging them to fast track the passage of the bills.
Similarly, Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who is also a recipient of the award as “The Pillar Of Gender Inclusion On Un General Assembly Affirmative Action “
Boss Mustapha who was represented by Dr Nuhu Macsha, said I want to thank you for pushing the agenda and sustaining the goal of Sustainable Development Goal number 5.I will ensure that the SDG 5 goal is achieved.
On her part, The National President of NCWS Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, explained that Senator Bamidele was honored for his immense contribution and support to women in Nigeria. She highlighted the need to invest in women’s education, health, economic empowerment, and leadership, emphasizing that women are pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation.
In addition to discussions on advancing women’s goals, the NCWS convention focused on empowering women at the grassroots level across states.
The President distributed empowerment packs to support women’s economic empowerment. The event also featured the conferment of awards to 30 notable Nigerians for their support towards women’s progress and efforts in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Among the award recipients were Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, Mr Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as well as some state governors’ wives and commissioners.
Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Michael Bamidele, has assured women that the National Assembly is working towards passage of the five gender bills that were reintroduced into the tenth assembly.
He gave the assurance at the 2024 Biennial Convention of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), themed ‘Invest in Women:l Accelerate Progress’, weekend in Abuja.
Bamidele who is an award recipient at the event said the Senate is favourably disposed towards passage of the bills and progress has been made in that regard.
“The Senate is going to ensure that your bills are attended to. Once it it gets back to us I assure you we are going to work on it.
“You can also appeal to members of the Senate through their wives to also fast track the passage of the bill,” he said.
National President, NCWS, Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, said the award being presented to Senator Bamidele is in recognition of his immense contribution and support to women in Nigeria.
She explains that the convention is aimed at showcasing the Council’s efforts in the advancement of women’s rights in Nigeria and to emphasize the need for more investment in women.
According to her, “Women stand as pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, yet they continue to face barriers that hinder their progress.
“This is why it is imperative that we invest in women, their education, their health, their economic empowerment, and their leadership.”
While giving out empowerment packs to women at the grassroots across states, the President pointed that the NCWS convention also presents an an opportunity to look inwards, discuss and strategies on ways to further advance the goals of women in the country as well as support those at the grassroots to become economically empowered.
The event also featured conferment of awards to 30 notable Nigerians for their support toward women’s progress and in addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV), and that includes fist lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Boss Mustapha, Opeyemi Bamidele and 27 others among others
