The Deputy governor of Ogun state has dispelled the notion that women’s political participation threatens male dominance.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele clarified the wrong notion by explaining that leadership is a finite resource which requires maximum participation of both genders.
“If we truly believe in an inclusive Nigeria then women must not just be participants but equal partners in shaping our nation’s future,” she said.
She stated this while delivering a keynote address on ‘Women Inclusion in politics: Challenges, Prospects and the way forward’ at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 held recently in Abuja.
She noted that despite the undeniable contributions that women have made in all spheres of life, financial constraints, cultural biases, structural barriers, cultural and social norms, electoral violence and intimidation as major challenges limiting their participation in governance.
“If we truly want to have an inclusive democracy, we must address the challenges women face in politics to includes; structural barriers, where women are placed in parties with little chance of winning, lack of funds, as politics is expensive, cultural and social norms, where women are told to wait for their turn and electoral violence and intimidation,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele said that politics is not a zero-sum game, as such women need to build alliances across gender lines, however warning that politics should not be seen as a battle of masculinity but rather a partnership across gender lines for a better Nigeria.
“If we truly want to build a Nigeria where opportunity is available to all, then we must see women in politics not as competitors or usurpers but as partners in progress. The truth is, politics is not a zero-sum game. Increasing women’s representation does not mean taking power away from men. It only means that we create a more balanced and effective government,” She said.
Proffering the pathways for greater inclusion, Salako-Oyedele listed some key strategies to include, pushing for affirmative action in major political parties for competent women, sustained political engagement not just during election, but integrating into the party structures.
Others include providing funding for women in politics not just as one off initiative, nurturing credible relationships with male allies in the advocacy movement, structured funding for female candidates, wholistic education and women positioning themselves strategically for leadership opportunities.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while commending the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development for the epochal convergence, reaffirmed her commitment to empowering women through economic inclusion, leadership, and legal reforms as embodied in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The unveiling of the Women in Leadership Compendium is a testament to the remarkable contributions of Nigerian women.Congratulations to all the awardees, your achievements inspire us to keep pushing for greater inclusion and impact. Together, we are shaping a future where women lead, thrive, and drive national progress,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara speaking, said the event was organised to discuss issues surrounding women leadership, breaking barriers, and creating confidence for future generations and celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of women across Nigeria and to
also foster an environment where every woman can thrive, live and inspire.
“All of us has a role to play in shaping the future of women’s leadership in Nigeria. Together, we can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, support initiatives that empower women, and create spaces where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and respected. Our voice is our power,” She said.
The event also featured two other Keynote Presentations on “Promoting quality access to health care for women and children in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects and the way forward” and “Women Financial Empowerment: Situation Report and the Way Forward.”
The conference with the theme, ‘Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future’ aimed to promote women’s leadership and empowerment in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for collective action to create a more inclusive society.
The Nigeria Women Merit Awards was presented to deserving Nigerians and select Widows and orphans were given Financial grant Support.
Lateefah Ibrahim
Comments are closed.