Duke-Abiola accepts UN secretary-general nomination

Nigerian law professor and diplomat Akasoba Duke-Abiola has accepted her nomination for the position of United Nations secretary-general, endorsed by the African Policy and Research Consortium. This nomination comes as African stakeholders increasingly seek greater representation and influence within key international organizations.

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I receive with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility the nomination and endorsement extended to me by the African Nations through the instrumentality of the African Policy and Research Consortium and its distinguished network of highest levels of Government officials, scholars, policy leaders, and development practitioners across Africa and the globe.

The African Policy and Research Consortium, composed of government officials, scholars, policy leaders, and development practitioners from across Africa and globally, announced the endorsement. Duke-Abiola, the widow of late Nigerian businessman and politician Chief Moshood Abiola, views the nomination as a profound call to service.

She expressed deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility, stating, “I receive with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility the nomination and endorsement extended to me by the African Nations through the instrumentality of the African Policy and Research Consortium and its distinguished network of highest levels of Government officials, scholars, policy leaders, and development practitioners across Africa and the globe.” Duke-Abiola emphasized that the honor transcends personal recognition and is a solemn call to serve vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.

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This honour is greater than personal recognition. I regard it as a solemn call to serve, especially the vulnerable communities including women and children.

Duke-Abiola highlighted the significance of the nomination for African women and girls, noting its potential to inspire and affirm that African women can lead on the global stage. Her recent doctorate in sustainable development, with a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, further solidifies her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity, and international cooperation. The broad support from the consortium, which operates across numerous African countries and other regions, is seen as particularly inspiring.

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As an African woman, I understand the wider significance of this nomination. This endorsement sends a powerful message that African women can lead globally and that the dreams, dignity and potential of every African child must remain central to the international agenda.