By SULEIMAN SHEHU

The family of an Ibadan-based businesswoman and politician, late Alhaja Suliat Adedeji, has lamented the poor representation of women in Nigeria’s governance and decision-making 30 years after her demise.

The family stated this at a press conference, prayer and 30th remembrance anniversary organised on Saturday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Adedeji, a prominent businesswoman and politician in Ibadan was killed at her Kobomoje, Iyaganku GRA residence in Ibadan on Nov. 14, 1996.

Her death was linked to the political violence that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election acclaimed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.

Abiola, himself, later died on July 7, 1998, while in detention in Nigeria’s Federal capital, Abuja, after seeking to uphold his election mandate.

Speaking at the event, her first child, Mr Hakeem Adedeji, said that Nigeria still had a lot to do in promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

He said that inadequate woman representation in politics and decision-making in Nigeria was still a major factor hindering gender equality in Nigeria.

Adedeji lauded his mother’s contribution to reducing the gender equality gap, describing her as passionate about women’s advancement.

“My mother was an empowerment champion and religious leader who lifted a lot of people out of poverty and did her best in assisting the less privileged in the society,” he said.

The family’s spokesperson said that the late businesswoman’s achievements made her a role model for younger women, particularly at a time when opportunities for women in business and public life were limited.

Also, Mr Ademola Adedeji, said that the family had continued to uphold her Islamic values through religious programmes, support for Muslims undertaking Hajj and Umrah, and the religious education of younger family members.

He said that the family remained committed to keeping her religious legacy alive, adding that their participation in Islamic activities and support for pilgrims were among the ways they continued to honour her values.

Also speaking, Wasiu Adedeji said his mother was born in 1944, trained as a nurse and later became a major vehicle dealer after retiring from public service in 1987.

“She did not limit her contribution to business; she also served the public and supported people who needed help.

“She was also the Iya Adinni of Oyo State and Ibadan and supported humanitarian institutions, including the Ibadan Rehabilitation Centre, a motherless babies’ home and a school for children with hearing and speech impairments,” he said. (NAN)