The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, attended the Strategy Advocacy Meeting on Advancing Women’s Political Leadership: Strengthening Pathways to Inclusive Representation in 2027, held under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.
In his remarks, the NBA President strongly emphasized that women possess the competence, capacity, and integrity required for leadership, and should not be sidelined in political and governance spaces. He noted that the discourse must move beyond theoretical commitments to inclusiveness and focus more deliberately on practical implementation.
Drawing from the NBA’s internal structure, he highlighted that the three sections of the Association are currently led by women, demonstrating clearly that women are not only capable but are already excelling in leadership roles. He further observed that more women are emerging as leaders within the NBA, including at the branch level, where they continue to take up positions as Chairpersons.
The President also reflected on global political dynamics, citing the challenges faced by women such as Hillary Clinton in her presidential bid against Donald Trump, to illustrate that gender-based barriers in leadership are not limited to Nigeria but remain a global concern.
He expressed concern that despite constituting a significant proportion of the population, women remain grossly underrepresented in political leadership. This disparity, he noted, underscores the urgent need for deliberate policies and sustained advocacy to ensure equitable participation.
Concluding his remarks, the NBA President expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would contribute meaningfully to advancing a more inclusive society, one where leadership opportunities are based not on gender, but on competence and capability.
