She also commended President Tinubu for initiating bold and radical reforms aimed at revitalization of the nation’s economy.
Ezeike bared her mind during an interview with select Journalists, during her birthday and the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary message in Abuja.
While commending Mr President for recognizing the vital roles women and youths play in Nigeria’s development, she however urged him to do more to ensure their voices are heard and valued.
“The President’s efforts to include women and youths in his government are commendable, but we need more. Women have proven themselves as effective leaders globally, from Angela Merkel’s economic stewardship in Germany to Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s peace-building efforts in Liberia.”
Speaking on the Importance of women in governance, Dr Joy Ezeike said that research has shown that women’s participation in politics leads to more inclusive decision-making and better governance outcomes.
In Nigeria, she went on, women like Edith Chukwu are working tirelessly to create a violence-free world.
In international leadership, she noted that women have excelled as heads of states, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills.
“In Local Governance, Women have driven community development initiatives, improving education and healthcare.”
She added that in the area of economic empowerment women have fostered entrepreneurship skills, boosting local economies.
“It is time to harness the potential of Nigerian women and youths. We demand more representation, more opportunities, and more support.”
Among some notable Nigerians who she said contributed immensely in Nigeria, politically, economically were: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Women’s rights activist; Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, politician and women’s rights advocate;
Dr Dora Akunyili, former Director-General of NAFDAC, as well as former Minister of Information and; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance.
She noted that if encouraged in the politics and leadership of the country, as it is being done in the developed countries, it will be the beginning of giving the country its desired economic recovery, even as she said that a woman is contesting to be the next president of America.
Although the media guru said that she isn’t challenging the men who are their husbands and head of every family, but she was quick to add that a study shows that if assessed, the women in public office would outperform their men counterparts.
While thanking God for adding another year to her life, she said that she would continue to support any government that encourages women participation in the governance of the country.
She called for elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
“Women’s participation in the leadership and politics of Nigeria should be enhanced, by giving equal opportunity to all; there should be enabling environment that allows women to engage in decision making process in a sustainable and effective
way free from political harassments and violence.
