At the Leadership Scorecard Public Lecture held on the 29th of May, 2024 at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja, titled “The Legacy of Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Sustenance of Democracy in Africa,” which attracted a distinguished audience, His Excellency, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR including his wife, former First Lady and Chief Judge of Niger State, Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, CON, LLD.
The event was also attended by the governors of Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Anambra states who were honoured as Democracy Governors of the Year 2024. His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan CON was also in attendance as the Father of the Day, with Prof. PLO Lumumba from Kenya as the Guest Speaker. Other top dignitaries in attendance were Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Engr. Buba Galadima, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Alh. Abba Musa Rimi, former Governor of Kaduna State, General Ishola Williams, Prof. Ali Ahmad, His Excellency, Alfredo Miranda, Mexico Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, former Director General of Women Development Centre Abuja, as well as numerous diplomats, academics and international representatives.
Prof. PLO Lumumba,
a Kenyan Lawyer and African Leadership Activist was honoured at the event as “African Leadership Activist of the Year 2024”, and the Former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Olu Akpata, the Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Edo State was honoured as a “Democracy Icon in Nigeria”, while Dr (Mrs) Mary Ekpere-Eta, FCTI, OON, former Director-General/CEO, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) was honoured
as “National Development Icon in Nigeria”.
Mary Ekpere-Eta stands out as a beacon of excellence and transformative leadership in Nigeria’s public sector. With a formidable career that spans law, regulatory compliance, and strategic governance, her journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to improving service delivery and fostering transparent governance.
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT:
As the Director-General and CEO of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) from 2017 to 2021, Ekpere-Eta orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the agency. Under her leadership, the NCWD emerged as a global leader in gender empowerment and research. Her tenure was characterized by pioneering initiatives and partnerships that positioned the NCWD at the forefront of women’s advancement.
One of her notable achievements was the development of a digital dashboard for Gender-Based Violence statistics, a tool that has significantly contributed to data-driven policy formulation. Ekpere-Eta’s dedication to women’s rights and economic empowerment, along with her efforts to reform discriminatory legislation, has left a lasting impact on the agency and its beneficiaries.
EXPERTISE IN CORPORATE LAW AND GOVERNANCE:
Ekpere-Eta’s proficiency in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and governance dynamics is well-recognized. She has been instrumental in formulating and implementing policies aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within various organizations. Her advocacy for gender equality and women’s financial autonomy has further cemented her reputation as a dedicated public servant.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:
Ekpere-Eta’s academic journey is equally impressive. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Ahmadu Bello University, where she also earned her Master of Laws (LL.M). Her education includes a certificate course in Management Development Programme for Senior Leaders from Greenish University, United Kingdom, and strategic management training from Yokohama, Japan.
Her legal qualifications are complemented by her post-graduate diploma in Corporate Management Law and her LL.B from the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the bar in 2005. Her early career included a notable tenure at Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) & Co., where she played a key role in client case settlements.
SKILLS AND POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT:
Ekpere-Eta’s skills in managing human and capital resources, strong communication abilities, and expertise in fostering public and private sector collaborations are well-documented. She is adept at mobilizing women for change and working both independently and in teams.
Her political engagements reflect her commitment to public service. As a pioneer BOT member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) representing South South women, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s political participation. Her political aspirations included contesting for the National Women Leader of the APC and running for legislative and gubernatorial positions.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITION:
Ekpere-Eta is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and has been commended for her dedication to clients and legal expertise. She founded Mary Ekpere & Co. (now Green Empress Associates) in 2009 and has been involved in significant cases, including the 2011 Presidential Election Petition. Her contributions have earned her various accolades, including the United Nations Global Leadership Award ECOSOC.
PERSONAL INTERESTS:
Beyond her professional life, Ekpere-Eta enjoys golf, light exercise, music, reading, gardening, and farming. These hobbies reflect her well-rounded personality and her ability to balance a demanding career with personal wellness.
Ekpere-Eta’s distinguished career in the public sector, marked by her strategic vision, dedication to gender equality, and extensive legal expertise, makes her a formidable leader and an inspirational figure in Nigeria’s journey towards inclusive and transparent governance.
Dr. Mrs Ekpere-Eta Transforming Governance, Championing Gender Equality in Nigeria.
