Nigeria’s First Lady Commissions Gender, Public Policy Studies Center in Jos

…Calls for Cooperation to Dismantle Stereotypes

By Hajara Abdullahi

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Oluremi Tinubu Gender and Public Policy Studies Center at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, on Wednesday in Jos.

This was revealed in a statement signed and posted on X by the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said that actual progress can only be realized in the nation’s polity and other sectors when both genders stand as allies and work together.

“I am particularly pleased that the Centre’s approach includes both men and women, recognizing that inclusion must be a shared national agenda,” she said.

According to Kukoyi, the First Lady also described the move as a bold step toward bringing gender issues to the forefront of every facet of society to achieve equity. She commended the inclusive approach of involving both males and females adopted by the Center, noting that gender must be a shared national agenda.

“Actual progress will come when both genders stand as allies, working together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen our collective humanity,” she added.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu lauded participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 (2024) who conceived, funded, and executed the project.

“I applaud your vision and generosity. This gesture of yours will no doubt leave a lasting legacy on our nation’s policy landscape,” she said.

She further stated that the vision of the Centre aligns with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to harness the full potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or economic status.

Senator Tinubu noted that with the establishment of the Gender Centre, there would be more transformative public policy research and inclusive national development. She also announced a donation of ₦250 million to the Center.

In his goodwill message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, noted that the Gender Centre will play a crucial role in shaping public discourse on reserved seats for females in the legislature and the executive arm of government, emphasizing that women play vital roles in both societal and national development.

Former Senate President and Chairman of NIPSS, Senator Ken Nnamani, commended the choice of naming the Center after Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a “go-getter.” He, however, lamented the poor infrastructure within the institution, which will soon clock 50 years, adding that the citadel of learning is in need of renovation and refurbishment.