The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reiterated his resolve to boost the participation of women in governance.

Speaking at a retreat for the consultants and secretariat of the constitution review Committee in Abuja, he stressed the need to harvest the wealth of women’s opinions on national policies and issues.

He disclosed that the committee is organising an international legislative dialogue for women in the constitution amendment and it’s coming up on 28th October at Transcorp Hilton as part of an ongoing effort to achieve the objective.

“We are reaching out to women who have made major impact across the globe to come in and talk about “Why not Women”, Why we should increase the number”. I thank you and I pray our deliberation shall not be in vain,” he said.

He stated that the essence of the dialogue slated for 28th October in Abuja is for the parliament to interface with women across the globe and other well-meaning Nigerians on ways to increase women’s political participation in the ongoing constitution amendment.

Kalu assured that the constitution review committees in both chambers of the National Assembly were working hard and optimistic in achieving the first alteration by December 2025.

He urged the consultants and stakeholders to be resolute in the tasks ahead and ensure that the outcomes meet the yearning of Nigerians, adding that they can’t afford to fail the citizens.

Applauding the consultants, he expressed optimism that they would live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“The work is not easy, to make law for the judiciary is not easy, God will give you more wisdom and tact in navigating around that. Thank you for your dedication. This is a sacrifice for nation building. History will remember you, you will be remembered as those who crafted the new constitution,” he said.

“You’re writing your name in gold. I’m happy to say that with the way we are going, our objective in achieving the first set of alteration by December 2025, it’s feasible. I’m happy to inform you as well that the senate has keyed into our timeline in this regard. So it’s achievable.

“Some of the activities in our work plan includes, national public hearings, follow-up retreats, joint retreat with senate, engagement with state houses of assembly and Governors forum.”