Akasoba Duke-Abiola, Nigerian law professor, diplomat and widow of Moshood Abiola the Nigerian politician, recently nominated for the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations, has said her nomination demonstrates that African women can provide leadership at the highest level globally.
Duke-Abiola made the assertion in a statement on Saturday while responding to her nomination and endorsement by African nations through the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), describing the development as more than personal recognition.
She said the nomination represented a “solemn call to serve”, particularly vulnerable communities, including women and children, and should be viewed in the context of the United Nations’ commitment to human rights, peace, justice, dignity and international cooperation..
“More recently I humbly obtained a Doctorate degree in Sustainable Development with emphasis on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the universal ideals of peace, justice, dignity and international cooperation,” she said.
Duke-Abiola said she was particularly moved by the breadth of support from the consortium and the nations and institutions associated with it.
She noted that the network operates across the majority of African countries, as well as countries and regions including South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Barbados and Chile.
She described the endorsement as a reflection of the APRC’s credibility, continental reach and commitment to evidence-based leadership, regional cooperation and Africa’s place in global affairs.
“As an African woman, I understand the wider significance of this nomination,” Duke-Abiola said.
She said millions of girls across Africa continue to face poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion and limited access to education.
According to her, the endorsement sends “a powerful message that African women can lead globally” and that the dreams, dignity and potential of every African child should remain central to the international agenda.
Duke-Abiola expressed appreciation to the nations, heads of state, institutional partners, scholars, diplomats, public servants and development advocates who contributed to the nomination.
She said their confidence had strengthened her commitment to integrity, intellectual leadership, public service and humanity.
Given the magnitude of the responsibility associated with the UN Secretary-General’s office, Duke-Abiola said she had commenced broad consultations with her family, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners and thought leaders across Africa and internationally.
She said the consultations were being conducted with the seriousness, wisdom and reflection that the matter deserved.
“The Office of Secretary-General is a sacred trust on behalf of humanity,” she said, adding that any decision concerning such service must be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and the advancement of global peace.
Duke-Abiola said the need for effective global leadership was particularly important at a time of conflict, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining confidence in international institutions.
She also highlighted the role of African policy and intellectual networks in responding to those challenges, saying Africa needed strong networks capable of generating solutions and building bridges across nations and regions.
Addressing women and children globally, she urged them not to doubt their capacity to lead, govern wisely and contribute meaningfully to humanity.
“Your circumstances must never define your destiny,” she said, encouraging them to pursue education, courage and excellence and to continue to dream boldly.
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