Women remain grossly underrepresented in government – Areola

Oluwakemi Ann-Melody is the CEO and Managing Director of Vivacity and has worked with a number of notable brands as PR consultant. She also founded the Kemi Ann-Melody Areola Foundation (KAMAF) in 2019 aimed at increasing access to education, family welfare and protecting human rights of children. She also co-founded the Youth in Charity, a movement created to stamp out poverty through the economic empowerment of young people. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, she speaks on gains and challenges of the push for gender equality in Nigeria and women’s participation in politics under this administration, amongst other issues.

What will you say about President Tinubu’s pledge to support the Fintech Sector?

President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fintech sector is a crucial development that could significantly impact the country’s digital economy. The fintech industry is largely driven by young Nigerians who are leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion, reduce banking barriers, and promote economic participation across all demographics. With a rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem and innovative financial products, the fintech space has become one of Nigeria’s most promising industries.

This commitment from the government could unlock increased investment, regulatory reforms, and access to funding, enabling startups to scale and expand their services. With the right policies, fintech companies can accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a cashless economy while enhancing financial literacy and economic empowerment. Additionally, improving access to venture capital and funding mechanisms will enable more entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that contribute to job creation.

However, challenges such as cybersecurity risks, regulatory bottlenecks, and inadequate digital infrastructure must be addressed to ensure sustained growth. Cybersecurity threats remain a pressing concern as financial technology solutions become more widespread. Ensuring that adequate security frameworks are in place will protect users from fraud and cybercrime, fostering trust in digital transactions. Furthermore, regulatory clarity and streamlined licensing processes will enable fintech companies to operate without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

If managed effectively, Nigeria has the potential to become a fintech hub in Africa, attracting global investors and driving innovation. By fostering an enabling environment, the government can ensure that fintech continues to thrive as a critical component of Nigeria’s broader economic development strategy.

What will you say are the gains and challenges for pushing gender equality in Nigeria?

Nigeria has made notable progress in the push for gender equity, particularly in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and political awareness. More women are breaking barriers in business, leadership, and innovation, proving that they are indispensable to Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth. Increased participation of women in business has led to the emergence of female entrepreneurs and executives who are reshaping industries, contributing to job creation, and driving inclusive development.

Despite these gains, significant challenges persist. Cultural biases and deeply ingrained societal norms continue to limit women’s access to leadership opportunities, especially in politics and executive roles. Women remain grossly underrepresented in government, which affects policy decisions that could otherwise advance gender equality. Additionally, gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to finance remain key obstacles to women’s empowerment.

To achieve real gender equity, deliberate policies promoting equal opportunities in employment, business, and politics must be strengthened. Encouraging female political participation through electoral reforms and ensuring access to funding for female entrepreneurs will create a more inclusive economy. Gender-sensitive policies, mentorship programs, and community-based initiatives will also be essential in driving long-term change.

In your opinion, what is Nigeria’s readiness for the future of work?

As global labor markets evolve, Nigeria must adapt to the changing nature of work to remain competitive. The country has taken some steps toward aligning with global trends, particularly in digital skills development and entrepreneurship. Tech hubs, innovation centers, and government-backed digital skills training programs have helped many young Nigerians transition into the digital economy.

However, several structural issues still hinder progress. Unemployment remains high, with many graduates struggling to find jobs that match their skills. The outdated educational curriculum does not fully equip students with the competencies required in the digital age, and inadequate infrastructure limits access to online learning and remote work opportunities.

To prepare adequately for the future of work, Nigeria must prioritize education reform, investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and vocational training that align with emerging industries. Digital infrastructure, including broadband expansion and power supply, must also be improved to support tech-driven careers. Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and creating opportunities for Nigerian youth in the global job market.

Can you X-ray the goals of ‘Nigeria Works 2030’ initiative?

The ‘Nigeria Works 2030’ initiative is designed to create a future-ready workforce by equipping young Nigerians with the skills required for emerging industries. The program aims to reduce unemployment, address skills mismatches, and build capacity in high-growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

Key objectives include investments in vocational training, expanding digital education, and supporting policies that encourage job creation. Collaboration with the private sector will be critical in developing training programs tailored to industry needs. Additionally, partnerships with international development organizations can provide funding and technical support to enhance the initiative’s impact.

By fostering innovation and equipping young Nigerians with globally competitive skills, *Nigeria Works 2030* seeks to position the country as a leader in Africa’s future workforce.

What is Nigeria’s role in the critical minerals value chain?

Africa is rich in mineral resources, yet its participation in the global critical minerals value chain remains minimal. Nigeria, with its vast reserves of lithium, gold, and other valuable minerals, has the potential to become a major player in this industry. However, the country must overcome challenges such as limited processing capacity, a lack of infrastructure, and regulatory inefficiencies.

Investing in local beneficiation and establishing industrial zones for mineral processing will be crucial in capturing more value from Nigeria’s resources. By moving beyond raw material exports and investing in refining technologies, Nigeria can create jobs, attract foreign investment, and increase its global competitiveness.

Furthermore, policies that promote local content participation and STEM education for young Nigerians will help develop a skilled workforce for this sector. Strategic partnerships with global mining and technology firms can also facilitate knowledge transfer and infrastructure development.

How would you rate women’s participation in politics under this administration?

Women’s participation in Nigerian politics remains below expectations despite ongoing advocacy efforts. While progress has been made in appointing women to government positions, representation at decision-making levels is still limited. The lack of gender-sensitive policies, cultural barriers, and financial constraints continue to hinder women’s political ambitions.

To bridge this gap, women must actively engage in grassroots mobilization, advocacy, and mentorship programs to support female political candidates. Electoral reforms that promote gender inclusivity, such as quota systems and financial support for female aspirants, are also necessary to increase representation.

Building a political environment that supports gender balance will enhance democracy, ensuring that women’s voices and perspectives are adequately represented in governance.

Take us through your personal journey in politics, public relations, and development?

My journey in politics, public relations, and development has been shaped by a deep passion for public service, strategic communication, and social impact. Starting from grassroots advocacy, I transitioned into public relations, where I helped shape narratives and policies that drive meaningful change.

Over the years, I have been involved in international dialogues on governance, sustainable development, and youth empowerment. Through my work, I have successfully organized high-level events, built strategic partnerships, and contributed to policies that promote economic inclusion, gender equity, and innovation.

My commitment remains focused on creating opportunities, shaping impactful policies, and driving development across multiple sectors.

What is your opinion on the ‘Japa’ Syndrome?

The ‘Japa’ syndrome—the increasing trend of young Nigerians migrating abroad for better opportunities—highlights systemic challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic instability. While migration can offer personal and professional growth, Nigeria must work towards creating an environment where young people can thrive without feeling the need to leave.

Addressing this issue requires policy reforms that improve job opportunities, invest in critical infrastructure, and support entrepreneurship. By creating a conducive economic environment, Nigeria can retain its skilled workforce and attract talents from the diaspora to contribute to national development.

What is your advice for women seeking impactful careers?

My advice to women striving for impactful careers is to be intentional about growth, build strong networks, and never shy away from leadership opportunities. Continuous learning, resilience, and mentorship are critical in navigating career advancements.

Women must also support each other in breaking societal barriers and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace. By embracing collaboration and pushing for systemic change, women can collectively drive progress in various industries, ensuring equal opportunities for future generations.