Honoured to Graduate as an Alumni of the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Since I started work in natural resource governance, I have followed Sir Paul Collier’s work closely and I have learnt a lot from his writing. To sit in a class and learn directly from him was a dream come true. To make it more surreal I received my certificate from him. Now, I believe that dreams come true. I stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before me and I make my shoulders available for the women behind me to stand upon. That said, I am now an Alumni of the Balvatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. Cheers to this win and to more to come.
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Championing Feminist Leadership in Nigeria: A Powerful Conversation Hosted by Heinrich Boell Foundation
On the 24th of October, Heinrich Boell Foundation Abuja hosted a conversation on Feminist Leadership in Nigeria. The conversation had seasoned Feminists across diverse sectors. From Ireti Bakare, a media and broadcast professional,who spoke about starting and sustaining a Feminist movement at the aftermath of hashtag#endsars. To Simi Olusola who shared about her journey from civil society to social impact and now, politics and the lessons she learned. Also Cynthia Mbamalu, with proof of women who have gone before us, debunked claims that “feminism isn’t african”. Ms Asma’u Joda a veteran, brought it home and reminded us of the importance of raising and maintaining Feminist women’s movements. Sharon Adetutu Omotoso reminded us that Feminist Leadership is integral and it is in the construction of bridges, the designing of university curricula, and it is in being strategic. These women are heroes and Nigeria is privileged to have women leading from the front as we move to promote Feminist Leadership in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
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Speaking at the West African Elders Forum on Advancing Democracy in the Region
Last week, I was privileged with the opportunity to speak on a panel at the West African Elders Forum, in Dakar, Senegal. The event was hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. I with other panelists and past West African presidents spent two days discussing best ways to tackle the problems facing democratic progress in the West African region. I strongly believe that the best ways to solve our problems is to look within by applying our different peculiarities to the solutions we proffer. I have faith in the region and the resilience of our people. It was especially rewarding to see past presidents of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the ECOWAS Commission tell us about the lessons they learned during their leadership tenure. There’s a lot to be done in the region, and I feel blessed that I get to contribute, by amplifying the voice of persons at the grassroots to the conversations.
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Promoting Disability Rights: Reflections on Inclusion, Dignity, and Personal Growth
I met Crystal Chigbu in 2019 and she changed my life in the most beautiful ways. Knowing her, spending time with her, and learning from her led to my interest in Disability Rights conversations, thank you so much for the light you have brought to my life, @Crystal. Working in Human rights, I have always known how important each person is. I also understand how necessary it is for everyone to have equal access and opportunities. However, as I look back and reflect on the past year, I am humbled by all I have learned and the growth I have experienced.Like the UDHR will say, “every human is deserving of dignity and respect”. I have come to understand that we disrespect persons with disabilities and strip them of dignity when we do not provide access, remove barriers, and promote their inclusion in all spheres. Women with disabilities are even more vulnerable with the intersections of gender, disability and sometimes, poverty. We must do better to promote disability rights. I believe that begins by confronting our own biases.
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