Human rights activist and Co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, has said that no woman should be denied the right to aspire to the highest political office in Nigeria, including the presidency.
She made this known on Friday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while speaking as the keynote speaker at the Girls Summit organized by Protect the Precious Foundation.
Aisha Yesufu, known for her bold advocacy for justice and equality, said Nigerian women continue to face many challenges simply because of their gender. She called for the removal of all societal and cultural obstacles that stop women from achieving their goals.
Speaking passionately, Yesufu said, “No matter how bad a man is, nobody says he can’t be President. But the moment a woman is running, she is told she can’t be President. Women are being denied the opportunity to own their space.”
She criticized the way female politicians and leaders are treated in Nigeria, saying many people still do not believe women are capable of leading, even though they have proven themselves in many areas.
Yesufu praised Protect the Precious Foundation and its founder, Norah Okafor, for organizing the summit and for fighting to create a safe and better society for girls and women.
She also called on the Federal Government to take stronger action to end harmful traditional practices, especially those affecting widows.
“There are still too many harmful practices going on in this country, especially against widows and young girls. The government must do more to protect them,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Adaeze Emetu, said her office is fully committed to defending the rights of girls, widows, and other vulnerable members of society.
She noted that efforts are already ongoing in the state to ensure that girls can live free from abuse, fear, and discrimination.
“As mothers and leaders, we must continue to stand up for girls and women. We must provide them with the support they need to grow and achieve their dreams,” she said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Norah Okafor, the Lead Person of Protect the Precious Foundation, encouraged girls to speak out whenever they feel threatened or abused. She assured them that the foundation is ready to support and amplify their voices.
“No girl should ever feel alone or silenced. If you are going through anything, speak out. We are here to listen, to support, and to act,” she said.
The summit brought together students, teachers, civil society groups, and government representatives to discuss issues affecting the girl child in Nigeria.
Over the years, Nigerian women have played important roles in society, but they are still largely underrepresented in politics and leadership. In the 2023 general elections, women made up less than 10% of elected officials nationwide.
The summit ended with a call to action for government at all levels, civil society, and communities to invest more in girl-child education, end gender-based violence, and create space for women to lead.
