Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has donated N250 million to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.
Tinubu made the donation on Tuesday shortly after she inaugurated the Centre for Gender Excellence in the institute.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre was named after the first lady in recognition of her meritorious service to the nation.
Tinubu, who commended NIPSS for its contribution to nation-building, said that the centre would bring more attention to gender-related issues in the country.
“NIPSS is a beacon of intellectual excellence and strategic leadership in our nation. I thank the Board and Management of this esteemed institution for inviting me to be part of this historic event.
“The National Institute has since its establishment in 1979 remained the intellectual powerhouse of our country, shaping policies, refining leadership and driving the national conversation.
“I am humbled by your decision to name this centre in my honour, and I thank you for this recognition; may this centre stand as a lasting symbol of our collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“This centre represents a bold step towards bringing gender issues to the forefront of every facet of our society; its vision aligns with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President,”she said
The first lady explained that renewed hope agenda seeks to harness the full potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or economic status.
According to her, when women are empowered, the whole society prospers, hence the need for everyone to key into pushing for women empowerment.
Tinubu, who commended the centre’s approach geared towards inclusion, insisted that shared national agenda, would only be actualised when both genders stand as allies.
Earlier, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who commended NIPSS for the initiative, said that the move was a step in the right direction.
Mutfwang also called for more gender inclusivity at all levels.
He urged the first lady to add her voice to the discourse at the senate, adding that it would give the requisite attention to the subject matter.
“Gender issue is no longer just a subject for discussion, it must become a national priority.
“I share this passion and commitment, and that is why I wholeheartedly supported the call for special seats for women at both the national and state legislative arms.
“I have kept monitoring developments in the National Assembly, and it might interest the first lady to know that the proposal is a bit wobbly at the moment.
“I am sure adding her voice to the advocacy for that provision will bring pressure to bear on the national assembly to see reason why that must be done,”he said.
Mutfwang, however, said that gender issues must be inclusive, adding that excluding the men from the conversation would pose a serious setback to the ongoing move.
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