Stakeholders at the Empower Her for Governance, Inclusion and National Security Summit in Abuja have called for greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making, describing inclusive governance, ethical leadership and accountability as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s national security and sustainable development.
The summit, organised by the iTeach Africa Initiative under the theme, “Empower Her for Governance: Advancing Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Governance and Security,” brought together government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine how inclusive governance could help address the country’s security challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Founder of the iTeach Africa Initiative, Ebimoboere (Ebi) Alaibe Elezieanya, described inclusion as a security imperative, stressing that Nigeria’s complex security challenges required the collective efforts of government, security agencies, communities and civil society.
Elezieanya said national security was fundamentally about protecting the people, their dignity, freedom and right to live without fear.
She therefore advocated stronger protection and meaningful participation of women in governance, peacebuilding and security processes.
Representing the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary Nkiruka Jones-Nebo said the meaningful participation of women in decision-making would make institutions more responsive and contribute to national development.
She called for transparent opportunities, mentorship and leadership development, as well as the removal of structural barriers hindering women’s advancement in public service and leadership.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), represented by his Special Adviser on Gender, Col. Nneka Adinweruka, said national security should not be viewed solely from the perspective of military operations.
According to him, security encompasses communities, institutions, the economy, digital spaces and homes.
Musa stressed that “security is not just for the military men; it is everyone’s business,” noting that women should not be viewed only as victims of insecurity but also as critical actors in early warning, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and national security.
Other speakers, including the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr Otive Igbuzor, and Chief Timi Alaibe, called for ethical leadership, justice, equal opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging among Nigerians.
A Chief Superintendent of Police, who spoke on condition of anonymity, urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and establish regular engagements with communities.
The officer stressed that timely and reliable intelligence remained crucial to identifying and preventing emerging security threats.
The stakeholders also advocated stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities, while urging a shift from reactive security operations to preventive and community-based approaches.
The PDP senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Bolanle Amina Sarumi Aliyu (BASA), urged the Federal Government to place greater emphasis on citizens’ welfare and human capital development, describing both as essential components of effective governance and national security.
The summit also featured the unveiling of the Empower Her for Governance Fellowship, an initiative founded by Elezieanya to promote women’s leadership, inclusion and good governance.
The stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s security and development challenges required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with women given greater opportunities to participate in decision-making, peacebuilding and national security processes.
