Pulse logo
Pulse Region

Development expert begins national push for inclusive governance and justice nationwide

Fagboyo expressed hopes that within a decade, the initiative would become a leading voice in gender equity, accountability, and citizen participation.
Nigerian women exercising their electoral rights during an election. [Getty Images]
Nigerian women exercising their electoral rights during an election. [Getty Images]

Prominent development expert and former DFID Nigeria regional head, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, has launched the Inclusive Pathway Development Initiative (IPADEV), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting social justice, gender equality, and inclusion in Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled over the weekend in Abuja during an event that also marked Dr Fagboyo’s 50th birthday.

Attendees included top government officials, lawmakers, and civil society leaders, all of whom rallied support for IPADEV’s mission of “leaving no one behind.”

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Fagboyo said the new platform reflects her commitment to national service, having spent decades in development, government, and civil society.

Recommended For You

“A life without service is a life in pain. With IPADEV, I’m giving back to ensure the traditionally left behind—women, youth, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities—can contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

She added, “The Sustainable Development Goals say ‘leave no one behind’. That’s the reason behind IPADEV, we want an inclusive government and society.”

IPADEV to Lead Movement for Gender Equity

Looking ahead, Fagboyo expressed hopes that within a decade, IPADEV would become a leading voice in gender equity, accountability, and citizen participation.

She called on the National Assembly to pass inclusive laws that would grant women equitable representation and leadership.

Dr Otive Igbuzor, founder of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, praised Fagboyo’s pedigree and urged her to focus on structural inequalities.

“Nigeria ranks poorly on women's empowerment and leadership. We expect her to join others in pushing the frontiers of inclusion and civic engagement,” he stated.

Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, described the launch as timely.

“With over half of Nigerians below the poverty line, this is the best time for IPADEV. Dr Fagboyo has rededicated her life to service at a time our people are living in existential conditions.”

The launch of IPADEV signals renewed momentum in civil society’s push for a fairer, more inclusive Nigeria.

Subscribe to receive daily news updates.