Nigerian journalist Kadaria Ahmed has drawn a direct correlation between the underdevelopment of Nigeria’s northwest region and the fact that women in the region are marginalized and not allowed to fully participate in politics. He said there is.
Ahmed said this in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday after President Tinubu objected to the failure to appoint women to the board of the North West Development Commission and the marginalization of women in the North West within the board. Ta.
She says, “I think there’s actually a direct correlation between how bad our situation is and the fact that the North West continues to disrespect women. Because women… Because we’re seeing places that are starting to perform better.”
Ms. Ahmed emphasized the importance of women’s participation in public life, especially in regions facing serious socio-economic challenges, terrorism and insecurity. This is due to appointments, elections, education and the fact that the region is lagging behind. And after all, how can policy makers, who claim that this particular institution was established to consider development, be able to do so when the people directly affected do not participate in decision-making? I don’t understand. ”
Mr. Ahmed also pointed out that many women are qualified to contribute to the Commission’s goals, especially in areas such as budgeting, public health, conflict resolution, and economic development. She also questioned the qualifications of the current appointees, stating: be eligible to serve on that board. There are several skills and experiences that are required when overseeing an area with problems like the ones we have.
“We need people who understand budgeting, we need people who understand economics, we need people who understand climate and how to mitigate it, we need people who understand conflict and conflict resolution, we need people who understand public health and other professions. Check out the resumes of the people appointed. They are not qualified. There are actually very qualified women who can do these jobs. If you look at NGOs that are actually working, they are actually making a small, visible difference on the ground, but most of the time they are not doing this work. It’s the women who are doing it.”
She further stated that “Either President Ahmed Tinubu and his government do not value women in the North West at all, have no knowledge of the essential reasons why women’s participation is important, or are motivated by nothing other than political expediency.” Either you know everything,” he said. The only conclusion we can reach is that they are willing to sacrifice development itself on the altar of party politics. Because the research is completely clear. If you want to develop, especially in a conflict-ridden region like the North West, where terrorists and bandits are rampaging and livelihoods are insecure, and where the main victims of these crimes are women and children, You have to do that. It puts women at the table where decisions are made about things that affect their lives. ”
She also said research shows that having women in policy-making positions increases the efficiency and accountability of public services.
“There is further research showing that when women participate in peace and conflict resolution, the chances of success increase by up to 35%. On that basis alone, women are eligible to be part of the North West Development Commission; Beyond these things, there’s this thing called equity: we’re 50% of the population, and we go out and vote and participate every time we’re asked to participate. When you say it, come and speak up a little and take a seat at the table. This biased schedule comes into play when we decide what happens in your life. It’s totally disappointing,” she explained.
Ms. Ahmed concluded with a powerful statement: “President Tinubu, elections are coming up in 2027. As women of the North West, we want to thank you for what you have done for us in the last four years. , and I will ask you questions about what you have done for me or not,” he said directly to Tinubu. It can change our lives for the better. We’re going to start organizing and only reward people who take care of us or who take care of us within the government, it’s really that simple. ”
Ozioma Samuel Ugwezi
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