TheCable

Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII), a discussion group and think-tank for Igbo women, has demanded more inclusion of women in leadership positions in the country. 

According to a statement issued by Nnedinso Ogaziechi, its spokesperson, the group said there is a need for shared leadership between men and women in tackling the challenges confronting the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Josephine Anenih, president general of the group, said the socio-economic issues and the insecurity in the country have exponentially surged the burdens of everyone, but most especially for women.

Anenih told the former president that the group came together to intervene in the development efforts, not only in the south-east, but in the country as recent events are of concern to the womenfolk.

She recalled the history of shared leadership structure in Igboland, saying men have tried to lead alone but with little success.

She said it is high time men borrowed a leaf from the pristine times —where there was shared leadership between both genders in ways that were complementary.

Anenih said traditionally, women in Igboland and in other climes, are usually invited as solutionists during crises because while men weaponise power, women rebuild and nurture.

The group thanked Obasanjo for the support and inclusion of women in leadership during the time he served as president.

“Today, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the DG of WTO, Amina Mohammed is Assistant UN Secretary General, Dora Akunyili showed the global community that integrity is still a human virtue not in short supply in Nigerians in public office,” Anenih said.

Reacting, Obasanjo commended the group for seeking the greatness of the country, adding that strength and loyalty of women are needed in political development.

He advised the group to continue to sell the beautiful idea of partnering for development to other women in all the six regions in Nigeria.