Folake Odusiga, the first female chairman of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), has called for greater leadership opportunities for women while denouncing discrimination in the profession.
Speaking on Saturday after being recognized as the branch’s 13th chairman and its first female leader, Odusiga emphasized the significance of women in leadership roles. “We’ve never had a female chairman before,” she noted. “It’s about time that we acknowledge women in every way.”
Odusiga highlighted the unique qualities women bring to leadership, stating, “When a woman is in leadership, her role is more significant compared to that of a man.”
Reflecting on the past, she recalled, “Our men didn’t want us in leadership,” but expressed optimism that her appointment would inspire more women to take active roles within the organization.
Odusiga also revealed that her vision for the branch includes mentoring younger generations, particularly encouraging students from secondary schools to engage with the profession. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, noting that such partnerships are crucial for the profession’s growth.
