A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has called for increased inclusion of women in governance and national development, warning that their exclusion continues to weaken Nigeria’s moral and economic foundations.
Showunmi made the call while delivering a presentation at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the College of Health Sciences and technology and the birthday celebration of Rev. Mrs Kemi Ishola, where he was also honoured with the National Health Builder Award.
In his address, Showunmi argued that conversations around nation-building must go beyond traditional priorities such as security, infrastructure and fiscal policy to recognise what he described as the “underutilised power” of women.
Anchoring his position on Christian doctrine, he referenced the concept of Imago Dei, noting that both men and women are created in the image of God, with equal dignity, agency and responsibility.
“Equal creation implies equal stake. Any system that limits women’s participation in governance distorts that principle,” he said.
Drawing from biblical examples, he cited figures such as Deborah and Esther as evidence of women’s capacity for leadership, particularly in times of national crisis.
“These are not symbolic references. They are practical examples of women leading effectively under pressure,” he added.
Showunmi further emphasised the role of women in shaping societal values, describing them as central to moral formation within homes and communities.
According to him, virtues such as discipline, integrity and empathy—critical to national development—are largely transmitted through women.
On the economic front, he described women as active contributors across key sectors including agriculture, trade and services, warning that sidelining them amounts to “economic malpractice.”
He also highlighted their roles in peacebuilding and community cohesion, particularly in fragile societies, while lamenting their limited representation in formal decision-making structures.
“That gap is not only unjust, it is strategically unsound,” he said.
While acknowledging ongoing debates within Christian circles on gender roles, Showunmi cautioned against confusing cultural practices with religious doctrine, insisting that many restrictions placed on women are rooted in tradition rather than theology.
He criticised what he termed the confinement of women to “soft roles,” noting that their exclusion from critical sectors such as security, fiscal management and executive leadership limits national capacity.
He called for deliberate policies to expand women’s access to education, economic opportunities and leadership positions, stressing that inclusion must be treated as a strategic imperative.
“A nation cannot afford to build with only half of its strength,” he said.
Showunmi dedicated his National Health Builder Award to the cause of inclusive development, expressing optimism that nations which fully harness the potential of women would achieve more sustainable growth and stability.
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