UN Women Recognizes Nigeria’s Youngest Lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, as Global Emerging Leader
UN Women has spotlighted Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, as a global emerging leader following her standout participation at the high-level “Showcasing UN Women’s Transformative Results” event in Abuja.
The recognition occurred during the official mission of the UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, to Nigeria.
Shittu, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, was specially selected to share her political journey as Nigeria’s youngest female parliamentarian, outlining her achievements, challenges, and vision for inclusive governance.
“You Are Not a Beneficiary, You Are a Leader”
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Speaking at the event, Shittu stated that Kwara State has developed a sustainable and replicable model for women’s empowerment, urging UN Women to deepen support for the state’s framework and help scale it nationally.
She also noted that local civic groups, such as Kwara Must Change, have already built working models for grassroots advocacy and women’s political inclusion that deserve formal partnership and institutional backing.
Commending her performance, Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda described Shittu as a leader, stating: “Your confidence, clarity and vision are admirable. You are not a beneficiary of UN Women, you are a leader”.
UN Women noted that Shittu’s participation reflects growing global confidence in youth-driven, women-powered leadership emerging from Africa.
“This recognition goes beyond me. It belongs to every young woman daring to lead and refusing to be silent,” Shittu said.
The event aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UN Women Strategic Plan (2023–2027).
By PRNigeria
