The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has called for stronger inclusion of women in political leadership, warning that Enugu State and Nigeria at large cannot achieve sustainable progress while sidelining women from governance and decision-making processes.
Speaking during a one-day working visit to Enugu on Tuesday, the National Woman Leader of NRM, Hon. Sola Oluwatunmise, decried the “disturbingly low” participation of women in Enugu’s political landscape, noting that out of 24 members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, only two are women.
“Enugu cannot truly move forward if her women are left behind politically,” she declared.
“From Nsukka to Nkanu, from Udi to Awgu, the women of Enugu have always been the strength of their homes and communities. They are teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and peacebuilders. They have the competence, compassion, and courage to lead — and now, they must be given the chance to do so.”
Oluwatunmise said the NRM stands firm in its belief that women deserve full representation in government, business, and community leadership. She called on political parties and leaders to “open the doors of leadership to women,” adding that inclusion must go beyond rhetoric.
“Let us not just talk about inclusion — let us practice it. Support women to lead. Empower them to contest. Encourage them to serve. This is our time — we call it women o’clock,” she said.
Also speaking, NRM National Youth Leader, Hon. Temple Aniede, said the party was created to “disrupt the status quo” and bring new energy and innovation into Nigeria’s leadership landscape. He criticized dominant political parties — the PDP, APC, and Labour Party — for failing to provide effective governance.
“Our party represents a new beginning — one that values youth, women, and fresh ideas. We are not here to recycle the same leaders; we are here to rescue Nigeria,” Aniede stated.
The Enugu State Chairman of NRM, Hon. Chiedozie Ugwu, who hosted the delegation, said the national leaders’ visit had “rekindled passion and strengthened unity” among members in the state.
He coommended the national leadership for prioritizing women and youth empowerment, describing them as “the heartbeat of the party.”
“In Enugu State, our women and youths remain the heartbeat of the NRM because they are energetic, organized, and fully committed to the vision of a new Nigeria,” Ugwu said.
In her remarks, Dr. Helen Okwor, the Enugu State Woman Leader, expressed excitement about the visit, saying it had inspired local members to push harder in strengthening the party’s influence.
“Your visit has boosted our morale, and we are more determined than ever to make our party a dominant force in Enugu politics,” she assured.
Similarly, Okonkwo Chukwuebuka Christopher, the Enugu State Youth Leader, disclosed that the party has successfully mobilized youth leaders across all 17 local government areas of the state.
“Our efforts have increased political awareness and youth participation across Enugu. Through town hall meetings, seminars, and workshops, we’ve created a platform for young people to engage with policymakers on issues that matter to them,” he said.
With a clear call for gender equity and youth inclusion, the NRM leaders vowed to continue pushing for a political system that truly reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians — not just a privileged few.
