Former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili and development expert Amina Salihu have called on Nigerian authorities to adopt inclusive policies aimed at reducing social inequality and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities. They spoke at the Big Ideas Platform of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Event Highlights Gender Equity and Ethical Leadership
The event, held in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, focused on gender equity, social inclusion, and ethical leadership under the theme "Leading with Our Humanity: Elevating Communities Through Gender Equity and Social Inclusion." It also featured the presentation of Salihu's book, Living With Our Humanity.
Ezekwesili Warns Against Exclusion and Hardship
In her remarks, Ezekwesili warned that societies failing to prioritize inclusion and equitable participation risk weakening their democratic and social foundations. "Any society where the majority are suffering is a society that is broken and brittle. It will collapse. Don't let our society collapse," she said. She emphasized that governance systems should create opportunities for women, young people, and marginalized groups to participate fully in decision-making and development processes.
Ezekwesili stressed that leadership should be built on character, competence, and accountability, while citizens should organize around shared values and demand responsive governance. She noted that SPPG was founded to nurture a new generation of leaders committed to ethical public service and governance reforms.
Commending Salihu's book, Ezekwesili described it as an important contribution to conversations around gender equity, social inclusion, and nation-building. She also underscored the role of communities in driving social transformation, stating, "Community is not geographic alone; community is about the collectivity or the collectivism that can nurture out of similarity of ideas of what the world should look like."
Salihu Advocates Grassroots-Driven Development
Earlier, Salihu explained that her book was inspired by the need to promote leadership rooted in empathy, dignity, and inclusion. According to her, communities can only thrive when women, youth, and vulnerable populations are given equal opportunities to contribute to governance and development. She argued that sustainable development in Nigeria must adopt an inclusive, bottom-up approach.
"The Village Square conversation shows us that politics is local and everything is political. This means everything is local," Salihu said. "Or learning that local communities are both physical species and social networks – the physical provides structure, homes, schools, roads, while the social gives life to trust, culture, and connection. Sustainable development requires that we balance both. And so we must begin at the bottom of the pyramid and invest up because everyone counts. The grassroots can teach the blade of the grass some truth."
She urged leaders to remain connected to the people they serve, adding, "To know your community is to know the habit of your work, the people whose faith in this country and in this continent endures through uncertainty and challenge. Do not take them for granted, ever."
MacArthur Foundation Stresses Ethical Leadership
Also speaking at the event, Kole Ahmed Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation emphasized that leadership recruitment should focus on preparation, mentorship, and accountability rather than wealth or political influence.
Participants at the event highlighted the need for deliberate efforts to reduce inequality, strengthen inclusive leadership, and empower underrepresented groups, especially women and vulnerable communities. They noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without broader participation in governance and decision-making processes.
FG Urged to Deepen Protection for Nigerian Women
In a related development, Nigerian entrepreneur Adeneki Isi Adeeko called on the federal government to intensify efforts to protect the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women and girls across the country. Adeeko, founder and CEO of The Whisky Mistress, made the appeal on Sunday, March 8, as the world commemorated International Women's Day 2026. She urged policymakers, institutions, and community leaders to take practical steps to translate the ideals of women's rights into meaningful changes in everyday life.
