The Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources (OER), Dr Ainojie “Alex” Irune, has said that conversations around women in corporate leadership should move beyond board representation to the value their perspectives bring to strategic decision-making.

Irune, who spoke at the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria Women’s Directors’ Biennial Conference, saill1d the contribution of women in boardrooms extends beyond meeting diversity targets, as their perspectives help organisations challenge assumptions, improve governance and make better decisions.

He said the presence of women on corporate boards brings different viewpoints that strengthen discussions and encourage directors to examine issues from broader perspectives.

“Women tend to ask the questions men never feel the need to ask. They break the status quo and challenge the way things have always been done, and that ultimately leads to better decisions,” Irune said.

He noted that the responsibility of a board is not simply to reach agreement quickly, but to provide oversight, interrogate strategy and ensure that critical decisions are properly examined before implementation.

According to him, organisations that encourage diverse viewpoints are better positioned to identify risks, consider alternative approaches and avoid the limitations that arise when decision-makers share similar experiences and perspectives.

Irune said companies should view women’s participation in boardrooms as a business advantage rather than only an issue of representation or fairness.

“Having more women in boardrooms is an advantage for all of us. It is not a diversity issue, a parity issue or a fairness issue. It is a business advantage. If you want the most proficient boardroom, having diverse perspectives around the table provides the best outcomes,” he said.

The OER managing director said the challenge facing organisations was not the competence of women, but the need to deliberately create pathways that enable more women to progress into leadership and board positions.

“It is less about competence and more about creating a deliberate path to leadership. Women need mentors, sponsors and the support that prepares them for opportunities and helps them get there,” he said.

He urged companies to invest in mentorship, sponsorship and leadership development programmes that would provide women with the experience, visibility and support required to advance into senior positions.

Irune added that as businesses navigate increasingly complex operating environments, the effectiveness of boards would depend on the quality of questions asked, the willingness to challenge existing assumptions and the ability to draw from diverse perspectives.

He maintained that representation was only the first step, stressing that the real value of diversity lies in how it influences boardroom conversations, governance standards and corporate decision-making.