Nigerian law professor and diplomat, Akasoba Duke-Abiola, has accepted her nomination and endorsement for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Duke-Abiola, the widow of the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, made this known in a statement on Saturday following her endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium.
The consortium comprises government officials, academics, policy leaders and development practitioners from Africa and other parts of the world.
Her endorsement comes amid increasing calls for stronger African representation in the leadership of major global institutions.
Duke-Abiola said she received the nomination with humility and viewed it as a responsibility to serve humanity, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
She said her academic work in sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals had strengthened her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity and international cooperation.
The diplomat also expressed appreciation for the geographical spread of support for her nomination, noting that the consortium has a network spanning several African countries and other regions, including South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Barbados and Chile.
According to her, the endorsement has significance beyond her personal ambition, particularly for African women and girls affected by poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion and limited access to education.
Duke-Abiola said her nomination demonstrates that African women are capable of providing leadership at the highest level of global governance.
She thanked heads of state, diplomats, scholars, public officials, institutional partners and development advocates who have supported her nomination.
The law professor disclosed that she had commenced consultations with family members, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners and thought leaders across Africa and internationally.
She described the position of UN Secretary-General as a “sacred trust on behalf of humanity,” stressing that any decision concerning the office must be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and the pursuit of global peace.
Duke-Abiola also called for stronger intellectual and policy institutions across Africa to address challenges including conflict, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining confidence in global institutions.
She urged women and young people not to allow difficult circumstances to limit their ambitions, encouraging them to pursue education, courage and excellence.
The nomination places Duke-Abiola among those being considered in the broader push for greater African representation in international leadership.
