The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Abuja branch, has witnessed a significant milestone with Folake Odusiga being honored as its first female chairman. During her induction ceremony on Saturday, Odusiga passionately advocated for increased leadership roles for women, highlighting the urgent need to combat discrimination.
In her address, she expressed pride in her historic position, noting, “In the past, we’ve never had a female chairman before. It’s time to recognize women in all aspects.” Odusiga emphasized the distinctive strengths that women bring to leadership, stating, “When a woman is in leadership, her impact can be more significant compared to that of a man.”
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed hope that her leadership would empower other women within the institution, mentioning that historically, there has been reluctance from men to include women in leadership roles. Odusiga firmly believes her election will pave the way for greater female representation, emphasizing that “there will also be one day” for other women to rise in the ranks.
A crucial part of her vision for the Abuja branch includes fostering opportunities for younger generations. “One of my visions is to encourage those younger ones in secondary school by carrying them along when they are young,” she affirmed.
Odusiga also called for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors in the profession, underscoring the necessity of bridging this gap. “As a public servant, my vision is to bridge the gap between the public and private sector,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of public entities actively participating in the institution’s initiatives. “Since the institution encompasses both sectors, collaboration is essential for our collective success.”
