Theme:  Breaking Barriers and Limitations -Role of women in Development

Keynote Speaker:  Mrs Grace Machel Mandela

In 2005, the 9th Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture was themed “Breaking Barriers and Limitations – Role of Women in Development.” Mrs. Graca Machel Mandela, President of the Foundation for Community Development in Mozambique, delivered the keynote address. The event, held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria, drew a diverse audience including:

• – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• – Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• – Dr. Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria
• – Mohamed Ibn Chambas, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• – Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• In her address, Mrs. Graca Machel Mandela emphasized the necessity of empowering women to become equal partners in national development. She advocated for legislation to increase women’s participation in governmental roles across Africa. Other notable presenters included Senator Daisy Danjuma, 
• Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (MD of Access Bank Plc), and 
• Alhaji Maitama Sule.
  
  

**1st Murtala Muhammed Memorial Annual Conference**

2005 also marked the introduction of the Murtala Muhammed Memorial Conference, which ran concurrently with the lecture. This two-day conference focused on sub-themes such as women and the law, women empowerment, and gender equality, featuring papers on:

• – Gender Equity: The International Perspective – Mrs. Graca Machel Mandela
• – Women, The Constitution, and Applicable Law – Mrs. Mariam Uwais
• – Inheritance Laws and Women’s Property Rights – Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson
• – Gender Integration in Policy Reforms – Dr. Goke Adegoroye

The second session focused on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, featuring discussions on:

• – Bridging the Gender Disparity in the Labour Market – Mr. Fola Adeola
• – Career Development in Women’s Education – Mr. Kunle Elebute
• – The Relevance of Women in Conflict Resolution in the Oil and Gas Industry – Chief Sena Anthony
• – Women in Politics: The Challenges – Senator Daisy Danjuma
• – Women in Banking: Indispensable Assets? – Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
• – Financial Sector Adjustments: The Gender Implications – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The event also hosted an exclusive dinner in honour of Mrs. Graca Machel Mandela at the NICON Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The 2005 Murtala Muhammed Annual Memorial Lecture and Conference were significant in addressing gender disparities and empowering women across various sectors. President Obasanjo, chairing the event, declared a commitment to increasing women’s participation in government to 30%, a promise fulfilled during his second term.

The Murtala Muhammed Annual Memorial Lecture continues to be a national platform that attracts key stakeholders and leaders, providing an enabling environment to shine light on public concerns with key recommendations from both local and international experts.