Women Leaders Criticize Tinubu’s Humanitarian Appointment, Demand Gender Equity

A coalition of women leaders has raised the alarm over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, describing it as a setback for gender equality in key leadership roles.

The Niger Delta Progressive Women Worldwide, together with the Concerned Isoko Women, Urhobo Progressive Women, and other women and youth groups, issued a strongly-worded statement expressing their disappointment. According to the coalition, the decision not only missed the mark in terms of female representation but also overlooked the invaluable perspective women bring to humanitarian work, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction and crisis management.

Signed by Comrade Tarinabo Onazi, Convener of the Niger Delta Progressive Women Worldwide, the statement argued that women are often at the frontlines of tackling poverty and managing household crises. Their exclusion from such critical roles diminishes the effectiveness of policies meant to address these very issues.

“The appointment of a male minister neglects the fundamental reality that women, especially those from marginalized communities, understand the struggles of poverty and crisis firsthand. Their experiences make them natural leaders in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations,” the statement read.

The coalition didn’t hold back in emphasizing the missed opportunity for gender-sensitive leadership. They stressed that in humanitarian affairs, where vulnerable groups like women and people with disabilities are most affected, female leadership would have provided unique insights and a compassionate approach.

What’s more, the group underscored the political implications of the president’s decision as the 2027 elections loom. They cautioned that women and disability advocacy groups form a powerful voter base that could prove decisive. “Overlooking gender equity now could cost the administration crucial support in the near future,” they warned.

They also called for humanitarian affairs to be handled with more care, rejecting the notion of it being reduced to just another political appointment. “We need leaders in these roles who are not only qualified but who truly understand the suffering of the people,” they stated.

This statement comes as part of a growing call for gender equity in leadership positions across Nigeria, signalling that the conversation around women’s roles in governance is far from over. The coalition concluded by urging President Tinubu to reconsider his approach, reminding him that true progress involves placing women in decision-making roles where their influence can lead to transformative change.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}