Nigeria’s first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasised the need for women to play an active role in the development of the nation and in addressing societal challenges.

Mrs Tinubu said this during a courtesy visit by the minister of state police affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in the entourage of the management staff of the ministry and top female police officers.

She expressed pride in the significant number of women involved in policing and securing the country, highlighting the current administration’s commitment to including women in the nation’s development.

Mrs Tinubu urged the minister to utilise her office to combat issues such as human trafficking, organ harvesting, and baby factories, which are prevalent illicit activities in the country.

She emphasised the importance of empowering women to take the lead in addressing societal ills and crimes while creating a safe environment for their growth and development.

“It is the beginning of a new dawn for women in the country as the current administration will give them more room to contribute their quota. I am also looking for ways to contribute.

“We cannot have a country without the people doing new and great things. We want to see our children out of crime, and we don’t want them to be abused through maltreatment, rape of minors and children.

“Women should lead the charge in addressing some of these societal ills and crimes; they must thrive and be empowered in a safe environment,’’ Mrs Tinubu said.

The President’s wife also expressed her hope for more women to occupy high-ranking positions, including the inspector-general of police.

Earlier, the minister commended the President’s wife for her unwavering advocacy and efforts in advancing the interests of women in the country.

She acknowledged the dedication of the police officers in establishing a benchmark for excellence.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and empowering women are essential aspects of a just and fair society.

She said, “We are working on a bold initiative aimed at not only addressing existing challenges but fundamentally reshaping the Nigeria Police into a modern, responsive, intelligence-led, and technology-driven institution.

“We recognise the limitations of past reforms and are now taking a more proactive and holistic transformation that permeates every facet of police operations.

“We are here today not just to discuss but to seek your collaboration, for we understand that the collective advancement of these crucial issues requires your esteemed support and partnership.”

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu, Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the first female minister of state for police affairs in the country.

(NAN)