Presidency and Taraba Governor Call for Inclusive Policies to Close Gender Leadership Gap
The Presidency and Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, have jointly advocated for deliberate and inclusive policies aimed at addressing structural barriers that restrict women's participation in leadership and national development. This call was made during the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) International Women's Day celebration, held in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Governor Kefas Emphasizes Visibility and Inclusion
Governor Kefas highlighted the critical role of public relations professionals in projecting women as leaders, stating that visibility and inclusion are fundamental to national progress. He asserted that no society can advance beyond the value it places on its women, noting that empowering women strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and fosters national prosperity.
"Public relations professionals are not just storytellers but nation shapers who determine whose voice is heard and whose story is told," Kefas remarked. He stressed that equity must transcend symbolic gestures, pointing to Taraba State where women hold key leadership positions and contribute significantly to policy, development, and service delivery.
"These are performing leaders, not appointments for appearances. When young girls see women lead, they begin to believe leadership is possible. And belief is the beginning of destiny," he added. Kefas challenged PR practitioners to normalize women in authority by telling stories of competence rather than just compassion and creating platforms for women to speak.
Keynote Address by Presidential Adviser
In her keynote address, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, urged society to recognize and dismantle structural barriers that hinder women from attaining leadership roles. She distinguished between equality and equity, explaining that "equality gives every runner the same size shoe; equity ensures everyone has a shoe that fits."
Usman called for tailored opportunities to overcome societal and cultural obstacles, advocating for inclusive policies in education, financial access, and workplace flexibility. She highlighted systemic challenges such as the motherhood penalty, limited financial access, and digital literacy gaps that women continue to face.
"To achieve transformational change, we must communicate strategically, highlight women's contributions, and dismantle every barrier that holds them back," she emphasized.
NIPR President Calls for Narrative Shift
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, called for a shift in societal narratives to empower women as leaders. He urged moving beyond merely telling women "don't cry" to actively encouraging them to lead, recalling the silent sacrifices of women throughout history.
Neliaku pointed out the paradox in society where men honor their mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters yet remain hesitant about women in leadership roles. He stressed that when women are empowered to lead, societies flourish, institutions strengthen, and nations prosper. Neliaku also praised women within the institute for their transformative contributions in chapters and governance structures.
Governor Kefas concluded by stating that gender equity is not solely a women's issue but a national development imperative. "We need institutions like NIPR. We need the media. We need the private sector. We need society. The Nigeria we seek to build cannot be built on imbalance. It must be built on inclusion, fairness, and shared opportunity," he said, underscoring the defining role of communication in this journey.
