The Nigerian Civil Service Union has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Mallam Iman Ibrahim and the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, in a ceremony that turned into a powerful call for action to boost women’s participation in the nation’s workforce.
Speaking at the award presentation held at the Nigerian Civil Service House in Abuja, Mallam Kabir Inuwa, Deputy President (North) who represented the President of the Union, Comrade Oluwole Adeyeye Sunday, expressed deep concern over the glaring disparity between educational achievement and workplace inclusion for Nigerian women. “Sixty percent of women are enrolled in tertiary institutions, yet their representation in the workforce remains significantly low,” Inuwa said, underscoring the need for deliberate efforts to reverse the trend.
The Minister, represented by her Special Assistant, Princess Jummai—former Director of Training and Programs—extended heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. She conveyed the Minister’s commitment to supporting women across the civil service and emphasized her readiness to collaborate with the women’s wing of the National Civil Service Commission. Although unavoidably absent due to pressing national duties, the Minister reaffirmed her unwavering support for initiatives that empower Nigerian women.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, Director General of the Maryam Babangida Women Development Centre, expressed appreciation for the honor and pledged to do even more for women across the country. She offered free vocational training to members of the Civil Service Union, encouraging the women’s wing to take full advantage of the opportunities available at the centre.
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The Deputy President (North) also used the occasion to appeal to the Minister of Women Affairs to host the upcoming African Women Workforce Conference slated for October this year. Responding on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Bashir assured the union of the Ministry’s full support and pledged to ensure the success of the event.
Dr. Bashir dedicated her award to the less privileged across Nigeria, saying their resilience remains an inspiration to all efforts made in women development. She also urged members of the women’s wing of the Nigerian Civil Service to register with the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), describing it as a government-recognized body that would enhance their access to federal support and recognition.
Highlighting the importance of empowering women, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Comrade Yildet Bigwan reminisced on the leadership legacy of women within the commission. “From my experience, women have consistently shown strong leadership across different eras of this commission. Indeed, when you train a woman, you train a nation,” he declared.
The event not only celebrated remarkable contributions to women’s development but also reignited a national conversation around gender parity, workforce inclusion, and the transformative role of female leadership in Nigeria.
