First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has called on the Nigerian women to seek elective posts in 2011 even as she urged the men to support those who have already made their intentions known.


She also called on the international community to enjoin the Nigerian men to change the old tradition of suppressing women and relegating them to the background and embrace modern trend as seen in South Africa, Senegal and Rwanda.

Mrs. Jonathan assured Nigerian men that women will remain loyal to them and continue to take care of the home front even while in politics.

She spoke at the unveiling of Nigeria @ 50 Logo, Nigerian Women: the Journey so far, to celebrate Nigerian women to kick-start part of the activities marking Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary.

The event was organized by the First Lady’s Women for Change Initiative, her pet project, which seeks to promote the contributions of Nigerian women to national development.

“I urge women to offer themselves for elective positions and also appeal to our menfolk to support the women. I also want to appeal to state governments to give legal backing to the National Gender Policy on Affirmative Action while I warmly commend states (Imo, Anambra and Kaduna) that have already passed it into law”, she stated.

She paid glowing tribute to several Nigerian women, dead and alive who contributed to Nigeria’s attainment of Independence 50 years ago and to various national causes.

Earlier, Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih, said the launching of the logo was to give women the opportunity to reflect on our history and take pride in their role in nation-building.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, said this dispensation is the first time more ladies were made permanent secretaries, adding that it shows that women, with support, can help Nigeria fulfill its vision.

US Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Sanders commended the Nigerian women and their achievements and read an ode to the Nigerian women-can- do spirit despite challenges.