Nigerian lawyer and diplomat, Akasoba Duke-Abiola, has formally accepted her nomination and endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Duke-Abiola, widow of the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, announced her decision in a statement on Saturday following the consortium’s endorsement of her candidacy.
The African Policy and Research Consortium comprises government officials, academics, policy experts and development practitioners from Africa and other parts of the world.
Duke-Abiola described the nomination as a responsibility to serve humanity, particularly vulnerable communities, women and children.
She said, “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.
“This honour is greater than personal recognition. I regard it as a solemn call to serve, especially the vulnerable communities including women and children.”
The law professor said her recent doctorate in sustainable development, with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, had further reinforced her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity and international cooperation.
She said the breadth of support for her candidacy was significant, noting that the consortium operates across several African countries and other regions.
“That a network operating across the majority of the African countries, including South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Barbados, Chile and other regions, has considered me worthy of this responsibility is both humbling and inspiring,” she said.
Duke-Abiola also highlighted the importance of her nomination to African women and girls facing poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion and limited access to education.
“As an African woman, I understand the wider significance of this nomination,” she said.
“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.”
The diplomat disclosed that she had commenced consultations with family members, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners and thought leaders in Africa and internationally.
She said the consultations were necessary given the significance of the UN secretary-generalship.
“Given the magnitude of this responsibility, I have commenced broad consultations with family, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners, leaders of thought across Africa and internationally,” she said.
“These consultations are being undertaken with the seriousness, wisdom and reflection that this historic matter deserves.”
Duke-Abiola described the office of the UN Secretary-General as a “sacred trust on behalf of humanity”, saying decisions concerning the position should be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and the pursuit of global peace.
She also called for stronger African intellectual and policy networks capable of developing practical solutions to conflicts, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining confidence in global institutions.
The Nigerian diplomat urged women and children to remain confident in their ability to lead and contribute to society.
“Never doubt your capacity to lead, govern wisely and contribute meaningfully to humanity,” she said.
“Your circumstances must never define your destiny. Continue to pursue education, courage and excellence, and continue to dream boldly.”
Her endorsement comes amid renewed calls for greater African representation in the leadership of major international institutions.
