The Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, on Thursday, recommended changing the constitution to ensure that women make up 40 per cent of elected positions to promote development.
Babalola, advocating for a higher percentage than the Beijing declaration of 35 per cent, stated that women have demonstrated commitment and dedication in achieving results in their careers, emphasizing their significant contributions to society's progress.
The ABUAD founder spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday during an event organized by the ABUAD Law Students’ Society to mark this year’s International Women’s Day in memory of the late mother of the founder, Chief Abigail Babalola.
He urged stakeholders to fulfill the promises of amending the constitution to provide more elective positions for women, suggesting, “I propose that the constitution be changed to ensure 40 per cent of women in the state Assembly, National Assembly and in government. Nigeria will experience progress in their collaboration.”
Babalola also stated, “You know as much as I do that at all levels – local, state and federal, only men are voted in. So far, all the presidents in Nigeria have been men while all the governors have also been men.
“We have a few instances where women are deputy governors. Is it a sin to be a woman? Did God create them to be dominated by men? Definitely not.
“My suggestion is that women should understand that nature does not make them inferior to men. Both have the right to lead this country. After all, women are not as prone to corruption as men.
“Women have more respect for the law than men. When given positions of power, they are more dedicated and reliable. If you need an example, look at my university.
“I dare say that if women were in charge of this country, we would have had another Goldam Myer or Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkell (former Chancellor of Germany) or Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia in Nigeria.”
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, in her lecture on the occasion, urged Nigerian leaders to create platforms for women to display their qualities, expressing concern that women are still struggling for 35 per cent representation in governance.
The governor’s wife said, “In order to achieve accelerated growth in national development, men and women should always come together as partners in progress and cultivate a culture of inclusion through advocacy for equitable policies that could enhance the positive contribution of every individual towards the attainment of national goals and objectives.”
Oyebanji, who advocated for inclusion, said, “Every member of the society including both men and women should strive to advocate for inclusive language and be very mindful of derogatory language to avoid stereotypes or generalizations when referring to women.”
