The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for greater gender inclusion in governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership, saying Nigeria cannot fully realise its potential if a significant proportion of its population is excluded from meaningful participation.
Bamidele made the call on Thursday at the presentation of The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity, held at Nigeria House in New York, United States.
He described women’s inclusion in public governance and leadership as “a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength,” rather than an act of favour.
The Senate Leader said gender inclusion should go beyond numerical representation, stressing the need to provide women with genuine opportunities 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,” Bamidele said.
“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.”
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He said Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened when citizens were adequately represented in institutions established to serve them, while the country’s foreign relations would also benefit from competent professionals who reflect the breadth of its national talent.
Bamidele, who chaired the book presentation, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, recognised the importance of harnessing the abilities and contributions of all Nigerians.
According to him, President Tinubu has consistently affirmed that women and young people should not be relegated to the background in the political, economic and national life of the country.
He said meaningful inclusion required deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to participate effectively in decision-making and leadership.
Bamidele also highlighted the role of the National Assembly in advancing gender inclusion through legislation, representation and oversight.
He said the parliament would continue to support institutions that were fair, accessible and responsive, while promoting an environment where competence was recognised, opportunities were broadened and qualified women could 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,” he said.
“Progress will require deliberate policies, supportive institutions and a collective willingness to recognise talent wherever it is found.”
The event attracted prominent Nigerian and international personalities, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, 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.
Bamidele also participated in the Nigeria Investment Forum 2026, which brought together government representatives, international investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations, business leaders and strategic partners to explore investment opportunities across Nigeria.
He said the book presentation provided an opportunity for leaders, diplomats, scholars and members of the public to engage with ideas relevant to Nigeria’s development and its engagement with the international community
