The Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, has called for urgent and collective action toward achieving gender equality in Nigeria, emphasizing that men have crucial roles to play in the fight for inclusivity.
Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration held at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on Thursday, Adubiaro spoke on the theme “Accelerate Action,” urging Nigerian society to dismantle long-standing cultural and systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in governance, business, and other critical sectors.
She highlighted the slow pace of gender transformation in Africa, noting that despite multiple global summits and conventions, the continent has seen only ten female Presidents in its history, with just three securing their positions through direct elections.
In Nigeria, she acknowledged the progress made by trailblazing women such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Olufunke Baruwa, a gender and development expert, but stressed that deep-rooted inequalities still persist in many sectors in the country
“Women remain disproportionately underrepresented in decision-making roles across all sectors in Nigeria. Many still lack access to quality education, and gender-based violence continues to be a major issue,” Adubiaro said.
She pointed out that achieving gender equality requires the active participation of men, challenging the outdated notion that it is solely a women’s issue. “When women thrive, economies grow, communities prosper, and societies become more equitable. Men must actively mentor, sponsor, and support women in leadership without expecting favors in return,” she added.
The SSG urged organizations, government institutions, and educational bodies to adopt gender-sensitive policies, bridge wage gaps, and create inclusive environments where women can succeed.
She commended ABUAD for its role in fostering gender equality discussions and empowering students—both male and female—to be champions of change.
Adubiaro reaffirmed that the fight for gender equality is a collective responsibility, calling on Nigerians to choose “progress over stagnation, inclusion over exclusion, and justice over discrimination.”
“The time for action is now. We must accelerate the march toward gender equality to ensure that no one—man or woman—is left behind,” she said.
The event, attended by academics, policymakers, and gender advocates, underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.