Women economic integration key to sustainable development -Shettima

Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), has emphasized Vice President Kashim Shettima’s unwavering support for inclusive growth, particularly in promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Speaking at the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and the launch of Project #SheIsIncluded, Hadejia noted that the Vice President’s commitment to inclusive growth aligns with his overall vision for Nigeria’s development.

“The Vice President’s support for inclusive growth is central to the agenda of the National Economic Council,” Hadejia said. “The ‘She’s Included’ Conference is a testament to this commitment, aiming to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build systems that support women’s empowerment nationwide.”

Hadejia’s remarks underscored the importance of gender inclusion in achieving sustainable development and economic growth. The conference, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for promoting women’s economic empowerment.

With Hadejia’s emphasis on the Vice President’s commitment to inclusive growth, the conference highlighted the administration’s dedication to creating a more equitable society and driving economic development through gender inclusion.

In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the conference as an important milestone in the collective effort to break barriers to empowering women and promoting inclusion.

In a recorded message, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, said the conference marked a critical step towards Nigeria’s journey to gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

High chief Temitope Fawehinmi Financial Inclusion Ambassador of the Presidential Committee for the implementation of the Aso Accord On Economic And Financial Inclusion, acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, among
other dignitaries present at the event.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim, said the conference offers a unique opportunity to strengthen strategic frameworks for dismantling barriers to the realization of all women’s empowerment programs and initiatives.

Similarly, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stated that the goals of the conference align with his state government’s gender and economic inclusion agenda, targeting women and vulnerable groups through the Kaduna State policy on women empowerment.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, affirmed that empowering women is crucial for societal progress and a step in the right direction that must be sustained. He declared that Jigawa has positioned itself as a champion and model for women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion also commended the initiative, describing it as a call to action.