North West Women, Christian Youths Reject NWDC Board

A coalition of prominent women from Nigeria’s North West region and Northern Christian Youth Professionals has decried the recent formation of the Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), rejecting the exclusion of women and Christians.

According to the groups, the exclusion of women and Christians in the formation of the NWDC Board, a critical governance role, is unacceptable.

The commission’s leadership appointments, made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and forwarded to the National Assembly for confirmation, have sparked a wave of discontent among vital female leaders and Christian youths in the region.

In a statement shared with journalists, signed by Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, Qadriyya Ahmed, Fatima Akilu, Rabi Jimeta, and Habiba Mohammed expressed their deep disappointment.

They described excluding women as a missed opportunity to harness young women’s energy, brilliance, and potential for the region’s development.

“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, but it also undermines the genuine possibilities for swift, holistic, and sustainable development,” the statement read.

The group highlighted that this exclusion starkly contrasts Nigeria’s National Gender Policy and the President’s promise of 35% affirmative action for women in appointments.

“Citing Northern Nigeria’s history of formidable female leaders and activists, the coalition stressed that women’s absence from the NWDC Board is both “telling and troubling.”

“This blatant disregard for the female voice speaks volumes about the mindset of those involved in the nomination process,” the statement continued.

“It may even explain why the North West region lags furthest behind on so many human capital indices.”

The group further emphasised the alarming statistics in the region: multidimensional poverty rates in the seven states range from 72% to 90%. In contrast, four states have more children out of formal education than in school.

Additionally, girl-child literacy rates in most of the states hover below 20%, with citizens facing significant food insecurity.

According to the women leaders, excluding women from pivotal decision-making roles signals a belief among those in power that women’s contributions are inconsequential to addressing these critical issues.

“They concluded that “ this glaring omission is an opportunity lost for all, and the region can only be the worse for it.”

The women argue that the promise of development through the NWDC can only be realised if it reflects accurate representation and inclusivity.

They insist that tackling the myriad socio-economic challenges in the North West requires drawing on the expertise and insights of all members of society, particularly women who command respect within their communities and play crucial roles in peacebuilding.

Also, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals said they are deeply concerned about President Tinubu’s recent appointments to the North West Development Commission board.

“Unfortunately, these appointments do not reflect the region’s diversity, as no Christians from the six states were selected.

“For the sake of inclusivity and fair representation, it is imperative that Christians are appointed to the commission.

“The current situation is unacceptable and perpetuates marginalisation. We urge President Tinubu to reassess these appointments and make necessary adjustments to ensure balanced representation,” the youth said in a statement signed by their chairman, Isaac Abrak.

He said: “Leaving these appointments unchanged will negatively affect the commission’s success and exacerbate religious divisions in the region and Nigeria. We call on President Tinubu to prioritise unity and inclusivity in his decision-making. We request President Tinubu immediately address these concerns and promote inclusivity in the North West Development Commission.”