No nation can reach full potential without gender inclusion — Bamidele

Describes inclusion as strategic investment, not favour
Says inclusion goes beyond women’s presence in institutions

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, has said no nation can meaningfully realise its full potential when a significant proportion of its population is unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.

Bamidele said the inclusion of women in public governance and leadership should not be regarded as an act of favour, but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength.

He spoke on Thursday at the presentation of the book, The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity, held at Nigeria House in New York, United States.

The event brought together the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms Amina Mohammed; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Kayode Are; and the President/CEO of Montefiore Einstein, among other dignitaries.

In a statement issued by the Senate Leader’s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele said Nigeria’s democracy could only be strengthened when citizens were adequately represented in the institutions established to serve them.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had recognised, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the need to harness the abilities and contributions of all Nigerians, including women and young people.

Bamidele, who chaired the book presentation, stressed that meaningful inclusion went beyond having women occupy positions in institutions.

He said it required genuine opportunities for women to participate in decision-making, exercise responsibility and contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policies.

“Gender inclusion is not an act of favour. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength.

“No nation can realise its full potential if a significant proportion of its population is unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership,” he said.

The Senate Leader said Nigeria’s democratic institutions would be strengthened when citizens saw themselves represented in institutions established to serve them.

He added that the country’s foreign relations would also benefit when Nigeria was represented by capable professionals whose knowledge, judgment and experience reflected the breadth of the country’s talent.

Bamidele highlighted the role of the National Assembly in promoting gender inclusion through legislation, representation and oversight.

He said the parliament would continue to support institutions that were fair, accessible and responsive, while creating an environment where competence was recognised and qualified women had greater opportunities to contribute to leadership.

“This is not a responsibility for the government alone. Political institutions, the diplomatic service, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society all have roles to play.

“Progress will require deliberate policies, supportive institutions and a collective willingness to recognise talent wherever it is found,” he said.

Bamidele also participated in the Nigeria Investment Forum 2026, which brought together government representatives, international investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations, business leaders and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.

He said the book presentation contributed to the broader national conversation on Nigeria’s development and its engagement with the international community.

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