Sanwo-Olu, Awosika seek more women in governance 

First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, alongside former Minister of Industry, Nike Akande and Chairman, Board of Access Bank, Ajoritsedere Awosika, has reiterated the need for more women representation in governance.

This was at the sixth edition of Women in Governance Conference, themed, Women Voices in Decision Making: A Catalyst to Breaking Barriers, organised by Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (ACGPN) in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ajoke Olumide, speaking on Empowering Women in Governance: Challenges and Opportunities, underscored the critical role women in leadership can play in driving transformative changes across all societal sectors.

She said that women bring unique perspective that shape inclusive, forward-thinking policies, which promotes equality and sustainable development. “As catalyst we not only influence decisions, but actively challenge the status quo, breaking barriers that have for too long limited our participation in governance,” she added.

President, Chariman of Council, ACGPN, Sam Ohuabunwa, said that some major pillars of cooperate governance is inclusivity, fairness and equity, adding that in every society, there should be a balance and proportional representation of both genders and age brackets to maximise benefits. 

Mrs. Akande stressed that women are capable and should be encouraged to contribute their quota in the society, while harping on the need for mentorship, she stated that some limitations to women involvement in governance are late hour meeting schedules, fear, lack of education and exposure. 

While, Awosika tasked women to fill up existing vacuum to prevent collapse of systems noting they need to create stability and sustainable development, understand intersectionality and how it has affected our society.

She urged women to stop crying, giving excuses and desiring a pity party, stating that they have the capacity to do anything. “Prepare yourself. Not by lobby, notice, or turn by turn, but because you have capacity and capabilities. Once you have the interest, you will gain capacity because you will learn.

“So, understanding that intersectionality will not help the situation, whether it be race, class, gender or sexual orientation. All this, when connected in the broad position, creates disability and isolation that will lead to a collapse,” she said.