Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has said Nigeria cannot fully harness its human and institutional potential without ensuring meaningful participation of women in governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.
Bamidele described gender inclusion as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength, rather than an act of favour.
He spoke on Thursday while chairing the presentation of The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity at Nigeria House in New York, United States.
The event brought together prominent Nigerian officials, diplomats and international figures, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, and the President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein.
Bamidele said meaningful inclusion should not be measured merely by the number of women occupying positions in public institutions, but by whether they have genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making and shape public policy.
He said Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened when citizens were adequately represented in institutions established to serve them.
“Gender inclusion is not an act of favour. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength,” Bamidele said.
He added that no country could realise its full potential if a significant section of its population was unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.
According to him, Nigeria’s foreign relations would also benefit from a diplomatic service that reflects the breadth of the country’s talent and provides qualified professionals with opportunities to serve.
Bamidele said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognised the importance of drawing on the abilities and contributions of all Nigerians, particularly women and young people.
He stressed, however, that inclusion must translate into actual responsibility and opportunities to influence decisions.
“Meaningful inclusion goes beyond the presence of women in institutions. It requires genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making, exercise responsibility and contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policy,” he said.
The Senate Leader said the National Assembly had an important role to play in advancing gender inclusion through legislation, representation and oversight.
He said Parliament would continue supporting institutions that are fair, accessible and responsive while promoting an environment where competence is recognised and opportunities are broadened for qualified women.
Bamidele noted that the responsibility for achieving greater inclusion extended beyond government and the National Assembly.
He identified political institutions, the diplomatic service, private sector, academic institutions and civil society as key stakeholders in creating opportunities for women to contribute to national development.
He called for deliberate policies, supportive institutions and a broader recognition of talent irrespective of gender.
Beyond the book presentation, Bamidele also participated in the Nigeria Investment Forum 2026, which brought together government representatives, investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
He said the discussions around gender inclusion and investment were part of a broader national conversation about strengthening Nigeria’s institutions and expanding the country’s capacity to engage effectively with the international community.
