Yesterday, 10th March, in Banjul, The Gambia, at the REFELA National Conference, themed 'Accelerating Representation, Safeguarding, and Strengthening Women’s Rights,' I had the honour and privilege to address the august gathering as both the Guest Speaker and Chief Guest of the occasion.

Focusing on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” I emphasised that the prosperity of nations is directly tied to how seriously they invest in their people, particularly women.

I reiterated a fundamental truth that nations that deliberately invest in human capital eventually gain stronger economies and more stable societies. When women are given equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, they become not just participants but critical drivers of national development.

As Nobel Laureate in Economics, Amartya Sen, famously argued, billions of women are “missing” from economic transactions, and this exclusion is holding back the prospects of development in Africa and other developing economies.

For nations seeking lasting prosperity, particularly Nigeria, The Gambia and other African countries, the path forward must be aggressive, deliberate, and strategic investment in human capital. Prioritising education, healthcare, skills development, and economic inclusion for women and youth is the foundation for sustainable growth and development of any nation.

On this International Women’s Day, I thank the Mayor of Banjul, Hon Rohey Malick Lowe for the honour of inviting me, for the warm reception and for graciously hosting my team and me. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Nigerian community in The Gambia for the useful interaction we had.

I join all men and women of goodwill in celebrating women across the world, recognising their crucial and complementary roles in society. Now more than ever, women must step into public service and leadership roles.

By empowering women, fostering accountability, and prioritising education and skills development, Africa can transform potential into tangible progress, building shared opportunity for all. This is 'development as freedom'.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO