Prayers by women have prevented Nigeria from disintegrating, notwithstanding the myriad of challenges in the nation, minister of women affairs, Pauline Tallen, has said.

The minister, in an Independence Day message on Friday in Abuja, said women are committed to praying for an indivisible Nigeria.

“Though the country is currently experiencing serious security challenges with women and children bearing the brunt of the effects, Nigerian women will continue to pray for an indivisible Nigeria,” Ms Tallen stated.

Nigeria is a highly religious nation with more than 90 per cent of its population professing either the Christian faith or the Islamic religion.

Ms Tallen noted that Nigerian women have been championing causes to advance the country’s interests.

“In all aspects of national development, even when hope is lost, Nigerian women have continued to bridge the gap in projecting the positive image of our country,” she said.

The minister said women are committed to the promotion of a true democracy that will increase participation at the decision table and where their rights are treated as human rights.

The minister also expressed optimism that despite the challenges affecting the nation, the country would rise again through the sacrifices, doggedness and prayers of Nigerian women.

“Nigeria remains a great country with rich human and natural resources that gives it that unique pride of place in the Committee of Nations,” she said.

(NAN)