Human rights activist and Co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has said that men have failed in leading Nigeria and that it is time for a woman to take charge.
Speaking boldly at the Girls Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, Yesufu declared, “Male Presidents have failed us!” and insisted that women must no longer be sidelined from positions of power, especially the presidency.
She challenged the stereotypes and cultural barriers that continue to hold women back, saying it was unfair that female aspirants are often ridiculed while men, no matter how incompetent, are accepted as leaders.
“No matter how bad a man is, nobody says he can’t be President but the moment a woman is running, she will be told a woman can’t be President,” she said.
The outspoken activist urged the government and society to dismantle all forms of discrimination that stop women from realizing their potential.
She also called for stronger protection of widows and for harmful cultural practices against them to be abolished.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that her speech received loud applause from participants who agreed with her call for equality and inclusion.
Yesufu also praised the Founder of Protect the Precious Foundation, Norah Okafor, for creating platforms that empower young girls and give them a voice.
In her remarks, the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Adaeze Emetu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of girls, widows, and other vulnerable groups.
Norah Okafor, who convened the event, encouraged young girls to speak out whenever they face abuse or threats, adding that her foundation will continue to stand for their safety and dignity.
In a related development, Aisha Yesufu had in July criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for allegedly sidelining youths and women in its leadership structure.
She described the situation as disappointing and said political parties must start practising what they preach about inclusion and equal opportunity.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
