By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has said, the fight against gender inequality could be feasible only if the Nigerian woman has strategically upgrade herself through education, morals, vocations and financial independent
Buratai gave the hint when the delegation from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ),FCT chapter, led by its chairperson, Comrade Stella Okoh–Esene paid him a visit in Army headquarters, Abuja.
The Army boss explained that the quest for gender equality can only be fought and actualised when women empowered themselves through vocation, education and financially.
According to Buratai, women’s right remains sacrosanct and the Nigerian army appreciate her active role and her contributions in the military.
This, according Buratai, was the reason his leadership has recognised the role of women and is putting her in a proper perspective hence the establishment of Nigerian Army women’s Corp which was aim as showcasing their impetus.
According to the Army Chief, the women folks in army were performing and participating excellently in the major specialised corps of the army including Operations Crocodile Smile, Lafiya Dole, among others.
He further explained that, though the Nigerian army was doing its best in incorporating the women, this he said wasn’t good enough if the Nigerian woman did not stand up and strategically repositioned herself .
The Nigerian army leader further use the opportunity to reiterate the resolve of the NA to continue to safeguard the territorial integrity and maintenance of peace, in the country.
COAS therefore call on the 4th estate of the realm to continue to project the activities of the NA for the Nigerians to better appreciate the efforts of the armed forces of Nigeria in securing the nation.
Earlier in her remark, the Chairperson of the NAWOJ, FCT chapter, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esen, stated that in alignment with the International Women’s Day 2020 Theme: ‘Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights, it beholds on all the women to Advocate for gender equality in the country.
Comrade Okoh–Esene said, it is heartwarming that the NA under the leadership of Gen Buratai has done wonderfully well in favouring women in the military, it was necessary for him to do more.
She therefore commended the Army for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity from both internal threats and external aggression, saying without peace, there would be no room for the quest for gender equality.
She noted that the combat strides of the Army against insurgents and other criminal elements have assisted in fostering peace not only in the North-East, but across the country.
