The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Idele Alile, on Friday called for urgent and sustained efforts to increase women’s participation in governance.
She spoke when she led a delegation of zonal and state women leaders on a strategic visit to the Federal Ministry of Regional Development in Abuja.
Alile lamented the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, citing that only 4.2% of the 10th National Assembly are women.
“This must change,” she declared, urging the Ministry to adopt gender-responsive policies and support platforms that empower women politically and economically.
She unveiled the “774 Explode Initiative,” a nationwide campaign aimed at expanding female political participation in all 774 local government areas.
The initiative is designed to galvanize grassroots mobilization, mentorship, and capacity-building for aspiring women leaders across Nigeria.
According to a statement on Saturday by Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Regional Development, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Alike said: “We are not asking for handouts, we are demanding fair representation. With strong institutional support, women can be catalysts for the Renewed Hope Agenda and national development”.
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, welcomed the APC Woman Leader and described the visit as a timely call for deeper collaboration.
He emphasised that women and youth empowerment remain central to the Ministry’s development mandate.
“We are fully aligned with the goal of inclusive governance. Our programs—whether in skills development, rural infrastructure, or medical outreach—are being tailored to meet the specific needs of women, especially in underrepresented communities,” Momoh stated.
He affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the APC Women’s Wing on policy advocacy, program design, and community mobilization, efforts that support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of State Uba Maigari announced that the Ministry is currently constructing nineteen (19) 50-bed hospitals across the northern region.
These facilities are aimed at improving healthcare access for women and children and reducing maternal and infant mortality in underserved areas.
“Our goal is to ensure that no woman is left behind in our regional development efforts,” Maigari said, noting that healthcare infrastructure is a crucial part of empowering rural women.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to forge a stronger alliance between the Ministry and the APC women leadership.
Alile pledged to use her network to amplify government initiatives at the grassroots, while Minister Momoh called on the women leaders to mobilize support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
“Women are the backbone of our communities. Their voices must be heard, their contributions recognized, and their leadership celebrated,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive development, gender equity, and sustained collaboration with political and community stakeholders to deliver impactful change across Nigeria.
