First Lady Unveils INSPIRE Initiative for Women in Civil Service

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday unveiled the Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity (INSPIRE) initiative for women in the Federal Civil Service.
Tinubu unveiled the initiative in Abuja during the 2026 International Civil Service Conference organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The conference brought together policymakers, government officials and stakeholders to discuss innovations and best practices in public administration.
The conference focused on reforms, digital transformation and capacity building within the civil service.
Tinubu said the INSPIRE initiative would positively impact the nation in the coming years through stronger workplace participation and improved efficiency.
She commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, for her dedication to strengthening the public service through purposeful reforms and inclusive leadership initiatives.
According to her, the initiative is timely and crucial in promoting inclusion, fairness and professional development for women in the civil service.
“This initiative speaks to the kind of civil service we must continue to build, one that supports its workforce, rewards competence, promotes fairness, encourages innovation and creates opportunities for professional growth.
“Across the public service, women continue to make significant contributions as administrators, professionals, technical officers, managers and leaders.
“While acknowledging the progress made, we must also recognise the need for greater inclusion, especially in decision-making and leadership processes,” she said.
The First Lady said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was anchored on inclusion, productivity, economic growth and national transformation.
According to her, empowering women will strengthen institutions, improve governance and enhance service delivery.
“That is why initiatives like INSPIRE are not just important for women alone; they are vital for national progress.
“I am pleased to learn that this initiative is designed to reach women across different levels of the civil service, from junior officers to executive level.
“Leadership development should not begin only when a woman becomes a Permanent Secretary; it must begin early,” she said.
Earlier, Walson-Jack said the initiative would help build an inclusive and equitable federal civil service that reflects the strength and diversity of Nigerians.
“Together, we share a firm commitment to building a federal civil service that is inclusive, equitable and fully reflecting strength and diversity of Nigerians,”‎‎ she said.
Also speaking, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Mrs Elsie Attafuah, said Nigeria’s growing youthful population presented enormous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Attafuah stressed the need for effective public institutions and deliberate inclusive policies to harness the country’s demographic potential.