Prominent women in Delta State, Wednesday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the question of national reconciliation and unity by appointing people from other political parties, even those that voted against him.

Besides appointing Nigerians from other political parties, the women, who cut across all ethnic groups in the state, appealed to President Buhari to close gender gaps and appoint women into his cabinet.

At a one-day seminar on Effective Democracy in Nigeria held in Ughelli, the women charged Nigerians to look ahead with optimism for a transformed Nigeria, with hope and renewed vision for a greater and better Nigeria.

Led by Chairman of Delta Political and Business Women Forum, Dr. Elizabeth Akpore, the women listed security, unity of the nation, diversification of the economy, job creation for youths and women, and expansion of infrastructure, agricultural development, health, education and gender equality as critical areas of focus for the new administration.

“President Buhari should reform the public service, grow the economy and fight corruption, just as he promised during his electioneering campaigns,” the women said.

The women also eulogised the virtues of the Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, commending her for upholding the mandate given to NSITF by the Employees Compensation Act (ECA).

A statement by the chairperson of Delta Political and Business Women Forum (DPBWF), Dr. Elizabeth Akpore, shortly after the meeting in Asaba, applauded Olejeme for her integrity and strength of character.

Giving account of NSITF under Olejeme’s watch, the statement said the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) paid N211.92 million as claims to organised private sector employees between January 2011 and February 2015.

“N37.41million was paid between June 2011 and December 2012 to 211 employees while 593 employees received N75.80 million in 2013. N80.83 million was paid to 967 employees in 2014 while 193 others got N17.84 million between January and February this year” the statement said.

“President Muhammadu Buhari knows where he is going and the people who can sail with him in the same boat without rocking it. Dr. Ngozi Olejeme is certainly one of them. Olejeme epitomises services. She is meeting Nigerian workers’ needs,” the statement added.

*Photo shows Buhari