The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stricter penalties for kidnappers and emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment on International Women’s Day.
During a meeting with the National Women Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja, Senator Tinubu condemned the rising incidents of kidnapping, particularly targeting women and children. She advocated for capital punishment for kidnappers, describing them as cowards and urging swift action from state governments and lawmakers.
Senator Tinubu stressed the need to protect children, whom she referred to as the future of the nation and lamented the devastating impact of kidnapping on families and communities.
“They are cowards. Our hearts bleed. I call on the state governments that once we take hold of them, they deserve capital punishments. Why can’t they take men of their size, why are they touching women and children”. What they are doing is that they are trying to kill our future, we all know that when parents are old, we rely on our children, we see them as our investments that have not gone to a waste especially when they are successful”. Why will you now take them from their schools? Right now, I think enough is enough. As a former lawmaker, I believe that any one of them captured deserves capital punishment”.
In her address, Senator Tinubu highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes opportunities for women’s economic, social, and political empowerment. She emphasized the crucial role of women in nation-building and urged for greater inclusion and empowerment within the party and across the nation.
“I believe most mothers will support me on this because we carry our children for nine months, and we cannot watch what we love to wither away”.
“As women, we constitute a significant portion of our society, and it is vital that our voices are heard and our contributions acknowledged. As women leaders, your role is very crucial to our nation’s development. You are the eyes and ears of the Government at the grassroot. I therefore encourage you to set a robust agenda for empowerment, inclusion and welfare of women within our Party and across the Nation”.
The National Women Leaders expressed appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and called for her support in advocating for more inclusion in government activities. They commended the transformative programs initiated by the RHI, including the Elderly Support Scheme, National Scholarship Programme, and Women in Agric Support Programme.
The group, consisting of the APC National Woman Leader, her deputy, zonal leaders, and state women leaders, pledged to collaborate towards achieving women’s empowerment and societal advancement.
The call for stronger penalties for kidnappers and the promotion of women’s empowerment by Senator Oluremi Tinubu underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.
