Ex-presidential aspirant advocates mentorship to achieve 35% affirmative action

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Former presidential aspirant in the Nigerian 2023 general elections, Mrs Patience Key, has said mentorship for women in politics is required for Nigeria to achieve 35 per cent affirmative action.

The affirmative action is a policy that demands that 35 per cent of women be involved in all governance processes.

Key, a former Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) USA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York.

“To have 35 per cent representation and more, women who have led and still in leadership must mentor fellow women.

“Those that claim to be women advocates must understand their representation as women advocates because many of them put the women down by stating on national TVs that women are not ready for leadership.

“This is worrisome because you cannot be an advocate and a dream killer at the same time.

“Women should deliberately support other women with capacity and integrity.

“Women should not believe that they are made to be second class citizens. We all have a purpose to fulfill and that should not be decided by a fellow human being, man or woman,’’ she said.

Key, who was presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 elections, said women should build self-motivation and collective efforts.

She said they should follow their dreams and aspirations without fear or favour, but with integrity and respect for the mission they wished to fulfill.

“Women should speak up when concerned, whether for self or collectively, for a better society.

“Of course, not everyone is called leadership. Those who feel and know their purpose should never relent due to societal ills and discouragement.

“When we work towards a goal truthfully and selflessly, we can only achieve success no matter how long it takes.”

She, however, urged Nigerian women to arise to clinch to their rightful place apportioned by the incorruptible God of creation who never had a time to create a nobody.

In addition, she advised women to do more and focus on building personal capacity, integrity and then come into the political space, noting that they have some unique and tangible inputs to offer.

“They have tangible inputs to offer not just because they have godfathers or because they have learned the negative skills on how to manipulate their ways into leadership.

“It’s not also just about gender, because I strongly understand the significance of having transformative minds in leadership.

“Women should aspire for leadership with the motivation to introduce positive transformation. It becomes a competition when its stereotyped. I want to see women handle this as a way of collaboration.

“Remember that both men and women were carried in pregnancy and delivered by their different mothers who happen to be women figures.

“Pregnancy happens through collaboration between a man and a woman.’’

Key recalled her leadership journey in NIDO America and how she brought her leadership skills to play in the organisation.

“When I decided to run for the Chairman of NIDO America, we were four women and thirty men on the National Board as directors.

“I saw everyone on that board as great personalities, but I also saw that the board needed a more committed and capable leader who is project oriented,’’ she said.

(NAN)