Prof Akasoba Duke-Abiola, a widow of the late business mogul and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, has accepted her nomination and endorsement by the African Policy and Research Consortium for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Duke-Abiola, who is professor of law and diplomat, made this development known on Saturday in a statement responding to her endorsement recently announced by the consortium.
African Policy and Research Consortium comprises government officials, scholars, policy leaders and development practitioners across Africa and other parts of the world.
Duke-Abiola’s endorsement comes as African stakeholders seek greater representation and influence in the leadership of key international institutions, with the UN secretary-generalship traditionally attracting candidates with extensive diplomatic, political and international governance experience.
The academic described the nomination as a call to service, particularly in advancing the welfare of vulnerable communities, women and children.
According to her, “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 emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, had further strengthened her commitment to peace, justice, human dignity and international cooperation.
Duke-Abiola added that the breadth of support for her candidacy was particularly 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.
She further stated that the nomination also had a broader significance for African women and girls, especially those confronted by poverty, insecurity, early marriage, exclusion and limited access to education.
Duke-Abiola added, “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.”
She expressed appreciation to heads of state, institutional partners, scholars, diplomats, public servants and development advocates who contributed to her nomination.
The diplomat also disclosed that she had begun consultations with family members, elders, statesmen and women, professional colleagues, diplomatic partners and thought leaders in Africa and internationally.
She added, “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.
“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”, stressing that any decision on the matter must be guided by conscience, national interest, continental responsibility and the pursuit of global peace.
She argued that Africa needed stronger intellectual and policy networks capable of developing practical solutions and building bridges amid conflicts, displacement, inequality, climate insecurity and declining confidence in global institutions.
She also encouraged women and children across the world to remain confident in their ability to contribute to society and aspire to leadership.
“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.”
