By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Former Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has decried the low level of female representation in Nigeria’s political space and called for renewed efforts to close the gender gap in leadership.
Speaking at the Ogun East Conference for Women in Sagamu, Madein noted that although women constitute more than 62 percent of Nigeria’s population, less than 35 percent participate in politics, far below the United Nations’ recommended 35 percent affirmative action benchmark.
In a statement issued Saturday by her media consultant, Temitope Oyekan, Madein urged that more women be given opportunities to occupy leadership roles, stressing that women are “resilient, courageous, and capable of transforming society through leadership, innovation, and service.”
While lamenting the imbalance, she commended Nigerian women for their achievements in education, the public sector, business, and entrepreneurship.
She also praised those already active in politics and encouraged more women to step forward.
Citing her own journey as Nigeria’s first female Accountant General, Madein paid tribute to other Ogun State trailblazers, including Ambassador Falilat Ogunkoya, describing them as role models who have broken barriers and inspired others.
Her remarks come at a time of heightened national debate on gender inclusion and the role of women in governance and development.
