Attainment of 31% percent affirmative action on women is revolutionary, Mrs Jonathan says

Dame Patience Jonathan

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said the appointment of women into 31 percent of positions in the Federal Executive Council was ``unprecedented and revolutionary''.

Jonathan made the remarks at an award ceremony held in her honour by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) on Saturday in London.

She also commended the National Assembly (NASS) for complimenting the gesture with the appointment of a woman as the House Leader.

``These initiatives are as unprecedented as they are revolutionary, especially against the background of the persistent societal prejudices against women,’’ Jonathan said.

She however noted that the potentials of women were yet to be fully realised as the capacity to do more in all sectors remained largely untapped.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan was represented at the occasion by Hajia Zainab Maina, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Earlier, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, had commended Jonathan for her strong commitment to the pursuit of the objectives of gender equality and empowerment.

``During the last elections in Nigeria, I witnessed at close range and with admiration the immense capacity for mass mobilisation of Nigerian women demonstrated by the First Lady.

``She stood solidly by her husband like the rock of Gibraltar, ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the campaign for the election of President Goodluck Jonathan,’’ he said.

Also, Baroness Lynda Chalker, a former member of the British Parliament, commended Jonathan for her passion in social care and the support for women and children.

Chalker who is also the Co-ordinator of the President’s Honorary International Investment Council (HIIC) described the First Lady as passionate and hard-working.

The Baroness, while soliciting for more support for the First Lady, said: ``If we all work with such passion that Jonathan exhibits, half of the challenges confronting women would be addressed.’’

NAN reports that Jonathan had earlier flagged off the Nigerian Carnival, where the best of the country’s arts and culture were on display.(NAN)