Speaker Abbas Reveals 60% of African Women Struggle with Basic Literacy
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has doubled down on his plea for investments in Nigerian women, emphasizing that in the contemporary global and domestic environments, backing Nigerian women is not a mere luxury, but a critical necessity.
The Speaker underscored the centrality of women’s well-being in the pursuit of a just and progressive Nigeria, stressing that upholding the ideals of the Nigerian Constitution and advancing women’s interests are inextricably linked.
He also expressed deep concern over the high rates of illiteracy among African women, decrying the fact that almost 60% of women lack basic literacy skills as a major obstacle to both personal advancement and national progress.
In his keynote address on Thursday at the 2025 Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference held in Abuja, titled “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing our Future”, Tajudeen Abbas pledged that the 10th National Assembly will enact robust legislation aimed at protecting and empowering women in the political arena.
Abbas said, “In building a just and progressive Nigeria, it is impossible to overstate the importance of promoting women’s welfare and upholding the spirit of our Constitution.
“Nigeria’s history is replete with courageous women whose remarkable contributions have shaped the country’s trajectory. The pioneering women of our past, who broke barriers with steadfast resolve, laid the foundation for the progress we witness today.
“Their legacies urge us to continue the vital work of forging an inclusive, just, and prosperous nation, one grounded in constitutional ideals of equality and social welfare
“Their stories remind us that we must not only dream of a better future but also act decisively to create it, ensuring that every Nigerian woman can thrive.
“In our present global and domestic context, investing in Nigerian women is not a luxury but a strategic imperative.
“Empowerment drives economic growth, fortifies food security, and strengthens the core of our communities. When we invest in our women, we invest in our farms, our markets, and in every child’s future.”
Praising the choice of the conference’s theme as both pertinent and timely, Speaker Abbas extended his gratitude to both the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Second Lady, Nana Kashim Shettima, for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the economic and political circumstances of Nigerian women.
