Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has urged Nigerian women to embrace education as a key driver for personal growth and national development.
He made the appeal on Monday at the inauguration of the Nigeria chapter of the World Women Organisation (WWO) at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where he was the guest of honour.
Amaechi highlighted globally recognized figures such as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed as proof that educated women can excel on the international stage.
“Education, not marriage, is the cornerstone of women’s growth. Educated women become responsible wives and impactful citizens,” he said.
He further emphasised that women are equal partners in society and deserve positions of influence regardless of gender.
In a political pledge, Amaechi stated, “If elected President, I will ensure 50 per cent of political appointments are allocated to women,” underscoring his commitment to gender equality in governance.
China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, also addressed the gathering, stressing the shared global responsibility to support women’s advancement.
She linked the event to the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing last October, which marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women.
Highlighting China’s progress, she noted that women constitute over 40 per cent of the workforce, lead a majority of internet start-ups, and account for 60 per cent of Olympic medalists.
WWO founder Rachel Akem-Harumi said the Nigerian chapter aims to inspire women to succeed and become global leaders.
She added that the “Women Own Wealth” initiative would equip women with skills in project management, fundraising, artificial intelligence, and technological efficiency, fostering economic independence and leadership.
Participants at the event engaged in discussions to develop strategies and actionable solutions for women’s empowerment across Nigeria, reinforcing the need for education as a tool for societal transformation.
