Abiodun Essiet

Abiodun Essiet (born 3 January 1986) is a Nigerian nurse, gender rights activist, community development worker, and politician.She currently serves as the senior special assistant to the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on Community Engagement. Esssiet was congratulated by President Tinubu on her 40th birthday and commended for her dedication to duty and efforts in engaging communities in the North-Central, listening to their concerns and taking the message of Renewed Hope to the grassroots, the stratum where it matters most. Quotes As a young gender activist and female politician, I’ve come to realise how difficult it is for women to emerge candidates of political parties and also for women to be included on decision making platforms. Explaining her motivation for contesting the vice-chairmanship of the Abuja Municipal Area Council and highlighting barriers faced by women in politics. I practiced nursing for some years and later moved into the civil society which launched me into an activism program. Describing her transition from nursing into civil society and gender advocacy. I became an advocate for gender equality and good governance. Describing her transition from nursing into civil society and gender advocacy. The activist in me was not okay with the status quo. Reflecting on why she decided to move from activism into politics. I felt something has to be done especially concerning the marginalization of women in governance. Explaining the driving force behind her political engagement and advocacy for greater representation of women in governance. I see politics as an important tool for getting into governance. Explaining why she left a career in nursing and civil society to become actively involved in partisan politics. We have left some specific kind of people who are not really interested in developing this nation in politics to shape our governance system. Discussing her belief that more transformational leaders should participate in politics to improve governance in Nigeria. I will encourage them to be bold, calm and collected. Offering advice to young women who want to participate in politics despite the challenges they may face. Learn about politics before getting into it. Continuing her advice to aspiring female politicians, emphasizing the importance of understanding the political process. Get involved in governance; let your voice be heard. Change begins with us. Calling on Nigerians to actively participate in governance and civic life rather than leaving responsibility solely to elected officials Appointive positions serve as an entry point for women in politics. Explaining that appointments into public office can help women gain experience, visibility, and confidence for elective positions. Women should not wait to be invited into politics; they should prepare themselves and participate. Encouraging women to actively pursue leadership opportunities rather than waiting for political inclusion. Political participation is not only about contesting elections; it is about influencing governance at every level. Discussing the broader meaning of political participation and civic engagement for women. I am a passionate community leader with seven-year experience in project management, community development and leadership. Describing her background and experience in community development while discussing her decision to contest for public office. I am involved in identifying development gaps in the society and ways of bridging the gaps. Explaining the focus of her work in community development and public service. My challenges are similar to the challenges of any young woman running for office. Discussing the barriers faced by young women seeking elective office in Nigeria. Most often, these roles take precedence over all other aspect related to women’s contribution to the advancement of the society. Explaining how family and domestic responsibilities often limit women's participation in politics and leadership. Since my appointment as SSA on Community Engagement, my vision was to be the voice of the voiceless—ensuring citizens’ concerns across the North Central are captured in federal policy and reported, while also communicating the federal agenda and interventions clearly to people in my region. Explaining her vision and priorities as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central. As someone with 15 years in civil society, my drive was to make citizens hold the government accountable and be part of governance. Describing how her experience in civil society shaped her approach to public service and citizen engagement. I wanted to tell citizens that democracy is not just voting every four years; it’s working with the government throughout an administration. Discussing the purpose of the Citizens' Assembly Platform and encouraging continuous civic participation. People don’t trust the government, feel no government presence in their communities, and often only see governance during elections. Explaining the trust deficit between citizens and government that motivated the creation of the Citizens' Assembly Platform. Category:People from Nigeria Category:Women