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Pushing for more inclusion of women in the Federal Civil Service to opportunities that will make them contribute, shape decisions, and influence outcomes, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday launched the women programme tagged “INSPIRE”
“INSPIRE” stands for Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women.
She launched the programme during the day two session of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja.
According to her, the programme in not just important for women alone; but vital for national progress.
INSPIRE, she said, is timely and crucial as it aims to provide stronger workplace participation and efficiency.
The First Lady said "Today’s gathering is focused on the launch of the Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women - “INSPIRE”. This initiative speaks to the kind of Civil Service we must continue to build: one that supports its workforce, rewards competence, promotes fairness, encourages innovation, creates opportunities for professional growth, and truly reflects equity and excellence.
"Across the Public Service, women continue to make significant contributions as administrators, professionals, technical officers, managers and leaders. Many of them carry their responsibilities with quiet strength, discipline and dedication.
"While acknowledging the progress made, we must also recognise the need for more inclusion, which is most meaningful when it comes with the opportunity to contribute, shape decisions, and influence outcomes.
"Therefore, INSPIRE is timely and crucial because it is geared towards providing stronger workplace participation and efficiency." she stated
Continuing, Senator Tinubu saio "When women are empowered, institutions become stronger, governance improves and citizens benefit from better service delivery. That is why initiatives like INSPIRE are not just important for women alone; they are vital for national progress.
"I am pleased to learn that this initiative is designed to reach women across different levels of the Civil Service, from junior officers to executive level. This is important because leadership development should not begin only when a woman becomes a Permanent Secretary. It must begin early. A young officer who is properly mentored today may become the Permanent Secretary, Head of Service, Minister or a national leader tomorrow."
She noted that the success of INSPIRE will not be measured only by launching, but by the impact it creates in the years ahead.
According to her, Nigeria needs institutions that can think, adapt, innovate and compete globally.
She also encouraged the women in the Nigerian Civil Service, to continue to strive for excellence. Invest in their growth, embrace innovation and digital skills, support one another and remain committed to service with integrity and diligence.
To the men within the Service, she urged them continue support and partnership in building workplaces that promote fairness, respect and equal opportunity for all.
The First Lady commended the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and her entire team for the vision behind INSPIRE.
She also commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her dedication to strengthening the Nigerian Public Service through purposeful reforms and inclusive leadership initiatives.
"I also applaud the support of UN Women and all partners working to promote inclusion and better governance within our institutions."
On her part, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Walson-Jack, noted that INSPIRE is a matter of institutional excellence and national interest.
According to her, leadership must recognize women's capacity, and that results must reflect the full strength of global reforms.
She said that the First Lady's unwavering commitment to women's empowerment, family welfare, youth development and inclusive national programmes is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians.,
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also commended the First Lady for her continued support and her commitment to the advancement of women, children, families and her continued inspirations.