Nigerian women continue to face marginalization in political appointments made by both the Federal and State Governments, according to the Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (ACGPN).

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a Presidential Aspirant for the 2023 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) highlighted this issue during his speech at the Women in Governance Conference 2023 in Lagos.

The conference, themed “Inspiring Visionary Governance: The Role of Women,” aimed to emphasize the importance of women’s participation in governance.

Ohuabunwa, who also serves as the Chairman of the association, expressed his concern that Nigerian women are still not adequately represented in political appointments at the federal and state levels, stressing that the world was experiencing a continuous shift towards greater women’s representation, and Nigeria should not lag behind.

He noted that Africa as a continent was actively striving to provide better opportunities for women, indicating a commitment to good governance. He stated that Nigerian women are seeking change and progress.

Historically, Nigerian women have faced marginalization and have been kept out of the spotlight, experiencing discrimination and limited access to leadership roles.

Ohuabunwa singled out  former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration as the first to significantly promote opportunities for Nigerian women and commended former President Jonathan for surpassing Obasanjo’s efforts by granting women approximately 35 percent representation in elective positions.

He expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will prioritize providing equitable representation for women. He advocated for 50 percent representation of women at all levels of national leadership, emphasizing the importance of appointing competent, intelligent, and hardworking Nigerian women who can deliver responsible leadership and fulfill the expectations of the people.

According to him, the existence of numerous qualified Nigerian women who can contribute to a responsive and responsible government that listens to their needs and expectations.

Additionally, Ohuabunwa announced that the association is working towards adopting Good Governance Principles at the national level to promote women’s involvement in leadership and governance across the country. He stated that increasing evidence suggests that women can provide exceptional visionary leadership, leading to excellent corporate and organizational governance.

During the conference, Mrs. Ebisan Onyema, Managing Director of Avery Nigeria Limited, discussed the need to overcome barriers and discriminatory norms that limit women’s potential.

She emphasized that appointing women in business and government brings diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences that drive innovation and economic growth. It also contributes to a more equitable and just society by addressing gender disparities and promoting gender equality, leading to greater access to the innovation ecosystem and investors for women.

Mrs. Gloria Akobundun, the Conference Chairperson, emphasized the importance of women taking their rightful place as change agents in governance. She highlighted that women’s participation in politics has advanced gender equality and influenced policy issues and proposed solutions. Akobundun called on women to break through the glass ceiling and seize opportunities, expressing her support for this crucial cause.

Mrs. Elemanya Ebilah, Managing Director/CEO at Euglobin International Travel & Tours, stated that President Tinubu must increase the involvement of women in strategic cabinet-level positions to address the challenge of gender parity and promote gender mainstreaming in Nigeria’s governance at the highest levels.