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Presidential candidates attend VOW 2022 Conference, unveil agenda for women
Some presidential candidates in the 2023 general election on Tuesday attended the Voice of Women (VOW) 2022 Conference and Awards organised by Women Radio 91.7FM supported by MacArthur Foundation in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said women’s matters would be his priority if elected.
Tinubu, who was represented by his running mate, Kashim Shettima, said the ultimate assessment of any society is the way women are treated.
In his words, “if you educate a man, you educate an individual but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.
“It is easy to talk, but can we walk the talk? This is a big question to all.”
He said though the 2023 poll is not a form of Olympic game, one’s track record is an important factor in the election.
Shettima added that Tinubu was the first governor to appoint a woman as deputy governor in the country.
Besides, he said Tinubu supported a lot of women to be lawmakers both at the state and national levels, including appointing them into key offices.
Shettima also said when he was Borno governor, several women were appointed as commissioners.
“Asiwaju government will be a government that will be friendly to our women.
“Equity and fairness to women will be a top priority of the Asiwaju government,” he said.
He said the government would be committed to social inclusion and political empowerment of women.
Shettima, who assured that education for women would be a priority, said domestic violence against women and all forms of abuse would be fought by the government.
In his remarks, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, said if any candidate comes to them with promises, “let us ask him what has he done before.”
He said when he was Anambra governor, women’s issue was given priority.
He said his chief of staff, commissioner for finance, and commissioner of local government affairs, among others, were women.
“For me, women are critical if we want to get Nigeria moves forward. We have to take the 50 per cent of the population we are neglecting today serious.
“I will be committed and I said this is my past and you can go and check.
“It is not about I will fight corruption but check the last place I left. The last place I left, I left 150 million dollars in the coffers,” he said.
He said like Bangladesh, women and youth should be given a percentage in all electoral positions which must be spelt out in the law.
Obi said as the country prepares for the next election, Nigerians must go beyond the consideration of yesterday and chart a new way forward.
Other presidential candidates who spoke at the event include Hamza Al-Mustapha of the Action Alliance (AA); Ado-Ibrahim Abdulmalik of Young Progressives Party; Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress and Adebayo Adewole of Social Democratic Party.
However, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was conspicuously absent at the occasion and was not represented either.
Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), said the women were ready to hold all the presidential candidates accountable on their promises.
Presidential candidates attend VOW 2022 Conference, unveil agenda for women
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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