Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will assent to bills supporting women’s rights and inclusion that were abandoned by the immediate past regime.

The Abia State-born politician promised that the bills would not suffer the same fate again in the 10th Assembly.

Kalu spoke, yesterday, at the 40th anniversary of NEWS Engineering Limited and launch of NEWS 40/40 Leadership Development Fellowship, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), in Abuja.

Monarchs and notable individuals at the event include Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Executive Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Ifeoluwa Oyedele.

Five gender bills failed to fly in the immediate past 9th National Assembly, as they could not secure the required majority votes.

But Kalu expressed commitment to championing the cause of women empowerment and ensuring that they are adequately represented in legislative processes.

He said the President, Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief of Staff and the President’s wife were all products of the parliament; hence, they understand the importance of the bills.

While eulogising the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEWS Engineering Limited, Josephine Nwaeze, for her exceptional ability to lead the company successfully following her husband’s demise, Kalu emphasised the need for Nigeria to recognise and appreciate the power of women.

Atuwatse III, who commended Nwaeze for building on the legacy of her husband, stressed the need for women to be given key positions in government to fast-track Nigeria’s economic development.

According to him, the impact of women in nation building cannot be ignored.

Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmud, while presenting her address, also corroborated the need for greater female representation in political and social spheres.

Represented by the Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCT Administration, Dr. Jummai Ahmadu, the minister said: “We need more women in the National Assembly. Because we can have Rwanda doing the twinning system, we are the giant of Africa, so Nigeria should lead going forward.”

Nwaeze, while speaking on the theme of the event, said: “We sincerely hope that all would be inspired by our experience through these years, as you will find stories of perseverance, dedication and the pursuit of excellence against all odds.”