By: Ike Philip Abiagom
In Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, where grassroots mobilization, women’s inclusion, and effective leadership remain critical to democratic growth, Dr. Mary Alile Idele has emerged as one of the most influential female political figures in the country. As the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Convener of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), she has distinguished herself through her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, grassroots engagement, and the advancement of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Widely regarded as a visionary leader and strategic mobilizer, Dr. Alile has championed initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation in politics, expanding opportunities for youths, and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots. Through the Tinubu Torch Bearers, a movement she conceived and nurtured, thousands of women, youths, and vulnerable persons across the country have been mobilized and empowered in support of national development and inclusive governance.
Under her leadership, the APC Women’s Wing has witnessed renewed vigor, while TTB has grown into a formidable grassroots platform with structures spanning the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Her dedication to service, compassion for the less privileged, and commitment to party unity have earned her admiration across political and social divides.
In this exclusive interview with the Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network (GNPN) following the commissioning of the Tinubu Torch Bearers National Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Mary Alile Idele speaks on the vision behind TTB, the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, women’s role in nation-building, grassroots empowerment, and the future of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She also shares her thoughts on party cohesion, leadership, and the collective responsibility of Nigerians in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Excerpts:
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your leadership role within the APC?
Dr. Idele: My name is Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Ph.D ,the APC National Women Leader and Convener of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB).
Q: As the Convener of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), what inspired you to establish this grassroots movement?
Dr. Idele: Tinubu Torch Bearers was born out of a desire to take the Renewed Hope Agenda directly to the grassroots and ensure that ordinary Nigerians, especially women, youths, and vulnerable groups, are not left behind. We realized that for government policies and programmes to have meaningful impact, people at the grassroots must not only be aware of them but must also feel included in the process.
The inspiration came from the need to create a platform that would bridge the gap between leadership and the people. We wanted a movement that would mobilize, educate, empower, and encourage active participation in governance while promoting the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across the country.
TTB is more than a political support group; it is a vehicle for empowerment, inclusion, and nation-building. Our goal is to ensure that the message of Renewed Hope reaches every ward, every local government, and every community in Nigeria while also providing opportunities for women and youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Q: What is your vision for Nigerian women?
Dr. Idele: It is important for every woman, from the grassroots to the national level, to feel included in this movement. We already have our National Coordinator, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, and other coordinators at various levels, including unit coordinators, and we want them all to feel part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
We want them to feel connected to what is happening in Abuja, not just watch us on television or see us moving around. They need to understand how these developments impact their lives.
As our First Lady handed over the torch to me, I will in turn hand it over to the National Convener and the 36 state coordinators, who will pass it on to local government coordinators and subsequently to coordinators at the grassroots level. It is a movement that has already begun.
From this national secretariat, commissioned today by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, which serves as our hub, we intend to establish an APC Women’s Situation Room. It has never been done before, but we will make it happen.
Through this platform, we will monitor activities across the country and ensure that women remain actively involved.
Q: What is your advice to Nigerian women?
Dr. Idele: My advice to Nigerian women is simple: keep pushing and keep moving. A Nigerian woman is strong. She is a woman of faith, a woman who believes, and a woman who knows that anything is possible.
If there is a goal you want to achieve, write it down, look at it every day, and believe in yourself. Gone are the days when people said women were not good enough or strong enough. Today, women are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success.
Find role models. Look at women who started with very little but went on to accomplish great things. Learn from them and draw inspiration from their journeys. If they succeeded, then you can succeed too.
I grew up listening to Jimmy Cliff’s song, You Can Get It If You Really Want. One line that always stayed with me says: “You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try again.” That message inspired me whenever I faced challenges. If you keep trying, one day you will succeed.
Q: What is the importance of positive influence?
Dr. Idele: The people around us play a significant role in shaping our mindset and success. I do not want women to ever feel they are not enough or that they cannot achieve their dreams. If I can do it, anyone can do it. The key is to find your strength and surround yourself with people who think positively.
If you show me a glass half-filled with water, I will tell you it is half full, not half empty. That is because I focus on possibilities rather than limitations. Women must learn to believe in themselves and surround themselves with people who believe in their vision.
Stay away from people who constantly tell you that you are not good enough or that your dreams are impossible. Instead, stay close to those who encourage and uplift you.
Q: How are we breaking the myths about women in leadership?
Dr. Idele: Many misconceptions have been created about women in politics and leadership positions.
For years, there has been a myth that women in politics cannot maintain successful homes or marriages. That is simply not true. You can be married, raise your children, build a successful career, and still contribute meaningfully to public service.
I am married, I have children, and I also have a Ph.D. Women can successfully balance family life, career growth, and leadership responsibilities.
Q: How important is family support to a woman’s success?
Dr. Idele: Family support makes a lot of difference. Earning my Ph.D was not easy. One day, I simply decided that I wanted to pursue it because it had always been one of my passions. When I discussed it with my husband, he encouraged me and supported my decision.
The sacrifices made by my family, my husband, and my children made it possible for me to achieve that goal. Without their support, it would have been much more difficult.
There were days when I came home exhausted after studying for long hours. My husband would simply say, “Let’s order pizza tonight.” It may sound like a small gesture, but that is what support looks like. It means people around you understand your journey and are willing to help you succeed.
Q: What is your message to the next generation of women?
Dr. Idele: I want Nigerian women, especially younger women, not to allow cultural stereotypes or gender biases to limit their ambitions.
We must pay attention to the people around us. Do not allow anyone to tell you that you are not enough, that you cannot do it, or that your gender should limit your aspirations.
Those days are gone. You can be anything you want to be. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who share your vision and support your dreams, and keep pushing forward.
That is my message to Nigerian women.