‘ Good Leadership Does Not Reside In Any Gender Or Tribe’
A lawyer and founder of Project One, Bisayo Busari- Akinnadeju has played an impactful role in prison decongestion by providing legal aid to indigent persons who couldn’t afford the services of a legal practitioner. She sat on the board of many corporate bodies in Nigeria, Ghana and Sao Tome as company secretary and legal adviser.
In 2017, she hosted the Nigeria flag designer, PA Taiwo Akinkumi and placed him on a 12- month stipend in appreciation of his contribution to the national symbol amidst other notable contributions. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK and Nigeria, Bisayo was nominated as one of the 100 most influential young Nigerians in 2018 and 2019, respectively. She also authored a book, Project One Nigeria, which aims to change the orientation of Nigerians and encourage them to see the country from a positive perspective.
IN this interview with ENIOLA DANIEL, she spoke on Project One initiative, and why Nigerian women should take the front seat and lead.
What is the idea behind setting up Project One Productions?
PROJECT One is an organisation set up to promote pride in national identity through its #IAMANIGERIAN Campaign, as well as instill the right leadership values in Nigerians. These values are required for national development through political education, self- reliance programmes, empowerment and citizenship appreciation projects.
Project One uses a bottom- up approach by starting from the cradle, clothing babies in the #iamanigerian clothes from the wardroom, which helps to increase their sense of belonging; forming government- approved leadership clubs in schools; organising activities for youths that promote patriotism and integrity, as well as holding a yearly conference, which bridges the gap between the past, present and future leaders of the nation.
Project One boasts of instituting an appreciation system whereby past contributors to national symbols are celebrated, like the national flag designer, the national anthem composer, etc.
Talking about leadership, 2023 is around the corner, how prepared are women for the forthcoming election?
The 2023 election is right here, and women must continue to increase their involvement and participation in the political leadership of our nation. My slogan on this is that every nation needs a mother, and every woman is a mother of nations. There have been agitations to increase the number of women participating in governance. However, we have fewer women putting their feet forward for political offices than men. I believe this narrative can be changed. The Nigeria nation now has lots of cries that women can decisively work together to stop. Do not forget that women play very influential roles even at home front. Such attributes must be brought forward to the larger society; values, vision and valiant acts must be embraced.
Do you think Nigeria is ready for a woman presidency, especially when many states have not complied with the 35 per cent affirmative action?
The answer to the readiness of the nation will be confirmed at the polls with competent women putting themselves forward to be elected. The 35 per cent affirmative action is also a work in progress, and I opine that more women will attain more positions of leadership in the 2023 election, as well as going forward in Nigeria.
Some are of the opinion that the Nigerian political system as it is now, makes it difficult for women to vie for elective positions. What’s your take on this?
The political system has not debarred women from vying for elective positions; there are no legal barricades against women. What we have experienced over the years had been more of societal inclination, which is not peculiar to Nigeria.
Africa had its first female president in Sirleaf Ellen Johnson of Liberia. Prior to that time, it looked impossible. Many nations of the world are also just clicking their first. The United States of America is yet to have one, but fortunately, the States has produced a female Vice President. The people work through the system, so I believe that with more awareness, more women will vie for elective positions.
Read the remaining part of this interview on www.guardian.ng