In a compelling lecture titled "Addressing the Intersectionality of Poverty and Gender in North-Central Nigeria", Barrister (Hon.) Zainab Marwa-Abubakar, Ph.D., called for community-driven collaborations between policymakers and stakeholders to address gender-related issues. Speaking at the event held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Multipurpose Auditorium of the Federal University Lokoja, Dr. Marwa-Abubakar highlighted the urgent need to tackle multidimensional poverty, particularly its gender dimensions, in North-Central Nigeria. 

She used the opportunity of the lecture to call for inter-agency collaboration and the collective fight against gender-dimensioned poverty resonates as a critical step in addressing the deep-rooted inequalities facing women in the region. Through initiatives like the Institute of Gender Studies, there is hope for more comprehensive policies and actions that will address the intersectional challenges of poverty and gender in Nigeria.

Dr. Marwa-Abubakar revealed alarming statistics, noting that 71.5% of Nigerian women live below the poverty line, 53% lack access to education, and the dropout rate stands at 43%. Among educated women, only 34% are employed, further exacerbating their vulnerability and limiting their ability to escape the cycle of poverty.

The lecture, part of the university's 9th Distinguished Public Lecture series, also provided an opportunity to formally inaugurate the university’s Institute of Gender Studies. Dr. Marwa-Abubakar was appointed to the institute's board, where she is expected to contribute significantly to achieving its goals. The Institute aims to tackle gender disparities through research, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

The event saw the participation of key government officials, including the Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, OON, SAN, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi. In his address, Professor Tahir assured the audience of the federal government's commitment to addressing gender-dimensioned poverty by targeting issues such as discrimination, deprivation, and inequality, which continue to hinder Nigeria's socio-economic development. He emphasized that the lecture’s theme was not only timely but critical to both the North-Central region and the nation as a whole.

Professor Akinwumi, visibly elated, remarked on the importance of the Distinguished Public Lecture series as a platform for fostering dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and the public on matters of national and global relevance. He further stated that poverty in North-Central Nigeria disproportionately affects women, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Cultural, social, and economic factors compound these challenges, making it difficult to break the cycle of inequality.

The Director of the Institute of Gender Studies, Professor Ofure Aito, expressed joy at the successful establishment of the institute, thanking the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity to lead the initiative. She also praised the collaborative efforts behind the scenes, which have helped bring the institute’s vision to life.

Some of the high points of the occasion were the investiture, tree planting, and the presentation of the university's signature souvenir to the lecturer. See more pictures here | Watch the livestreamed video here