By Olusegun Olanrewaju
Rather than kicking off on a peaceful note, the take-off of the North West Development Commission is reeling in a crisis rooted in gender representation.
The reason is that a group of Northern women led by As’mau Joda is raising the dust, alleging that no woman was nominated to manage the interventionist programme.
According to the group, in a letter signed by their leader and nine other women of rich technocratic and aristocratic backgrounds, rather than being a historic event towards regional development it was meant to be, the appointment of the board for the commission only manifested a ‘disheartening slap’ in the face of northern women.
Apart from Joda, those who signed the statement include Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode (daughter of the late head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed), Mairo Mandara, Qadriyya Ahmed, Fatima Akilu, Rabi Jimeta, and Habiba Mohammed.
In their words, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s recent announcement appointing the Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) should have been a historic step towards regional development.
“Instead, it feels like a disheartening slap on the face of Northern Women. No female name appears among the nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
“It goes against the National Gender Policy, the President’s promise of at least 35 per cent affirmative action for women in his appointments and all sense of justice and equity.”
They added, “Northern Nigeria has a rich history of formidable female leaders, professionals, and activists who have tirelessly championed socio-economic progress.
“Indeed, numerous women exist who, through sheer determination and resilience, have driven initiatives to educate the girl child, combat malnutrition, reduce maternal and infant mortality, as well as address sexual and gender-based violence and the escalating mental health challenges.
“In every sphere of competence, across finance and accounts, public administration, the judiciary, good governance, health, education, data analysis, business, technology, advocacy, and peacebuilding, you find women applying themselves in diverse fields. Their glaring absence from the NWDC Board is profoundly telling and troubling.”
According to the women, “The blatant disregard of the female voice also speaks volumes about the mindset of those in charge of the nomination process.
“Indeed, it conveys why the North-West region lags far behind on so many human capital indices. The statistics are alarming, to say the least. The multi-dimensional poverty ratings in those seven states range from 72 per cent to 90 per cent.
“Four of those seven states have more children out of formal school than in school. Most of those states have less than 20 per cent girl-child literacy rates. Citizens with insufficient food consumption in those states hover between 72 per cent and 80 per cent. What could be more telling?”
The women also stated that the decision to exclude women from pivotal decision-making roles suggests a conviction in high places that women’s contributions and perspectives are inconsequential to solving these pressing problems.
“This glaring omission is an opportunity lost for all. And the region can only be the worst for it. When will our leaders recognise that addressing these deep-rooted societal issues requires inclusive, diverse perspectives?
“While it is true that a handful of women may have already been tried and tested in the past, thousands of others do exist that have the capacity and competencies to record huge successes in achieving the sustainable development goals promptly,” they said.
The group added, “Our upcoming, exceptional, and passionate Northern women, excelling in every field imaginable, must be involved in efforts to positively transform the region.
“The exclusion of our young women from such critical governance roles speaks not only to a deplorable, inexcusable failure at harnessing their energy, brilliance, and potential, it also undermines the real possibilities for swift, holistic, and sustainable development.
“The promise of development through the NWDC can only be fulfilled if it embodies true representation and inclusivity.
“If we are to confront the myriad of socio-economic challenges in the North effectively, it is essential to harness the expertise and insights of all members of our society and for peacebuilding, particularly women who command respect within the communities.
“Who possess innate negotiating skills, compassion, and grassroots experience to achieve scale, impact, and sustainability?
“But is anyone listening? Do we genuinely yearn for development, stability, and peace, or is this North West Development Commission merely a statement about political ambitions and procurement?
“Well, as the Hausa proverb implies: The Friday that heralds hope could be discerned from the Wednesday before.”
