By Genesis Ogiri
ABUJA — Stakeholders at the Empower Her for Governance, Inclusion and National Security Summit in Abuja have advocated greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making, ethical leadership and good governance as essential pillars for strengthening 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 the role of inclusive governance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking at the summit, 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 require collective action by government, security agencies, communities and civil society.
She said national security was ultimately about protecting people, their dignity, freedom and right to live without fear, while advocating greater 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 women’s meaningful participation in decision-making makes institutions more responsive and strengthens national development.
She called for transparent opportunities, mentoring, leadership development and the removal of structural barriers limiting women’s advancement.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), represented by his Special Adviser on Gender, Col. Nneka Adinweruka, said national security must go beyond military operations to encompass 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 are not only victims of insecurity but also important contributors to early warning, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and national security.
Other speakers, including Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), and Chief Timi Alaibe, called for ethical leadership, justice, equal opportunity and a stronger sense of belonging among citizens.
A Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who spoke on condition of anonymity, urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and organise regular community security engagements, stressing that intelligence is vital to preventing security threats.
The stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities and 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 prioritise citizen welfare and human capital development as essential components of effective governance and national security.
The summit culminated in the unveiling of the Empower Her for Governance Fellowship, an initiative of Ebi Elezieanya designed to further promote women’s leadership, inclusion and good governance.
The stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s security and development challenges require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with women playing a greater role in decision-making, peacebuilding and national security.