The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has thrown her weight behind the proposed legislation aimed at reserving seats for women in the parliaments of the country.
The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and is before the House of Representatives for consideration and passage.
Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women empowerment in Abuja, Monday night, Senator Tinubu represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the country’s future.
Mrs Tinubu noted that it’s unfortunate that women who constitute a vital part of the nation’s progress are not well represented in the governance of the country.
She remarked that ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions and driving national development is not just a matter of justice, it is a necessity for stable growth.
Expressing support for the affirmative action bill that mandates at least 35 percent of seats in the legislative and executive arms to be occupied by women, she called on the national assembly to expedite the passage of the bill.
“I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women and nation-building. This has been my mission during my mission as first lady of Lagos, as a senator, and now as the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I firmly believe in the importance of women’s voices in governance.
“I urge my former colleagues, the civil society organization and the public to embrace the message of exhibition and collaborate to ensure that women’s voices are heard.”
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu decried the underrepresentation of women in governance, adding there is a need for concerted effort to address the challenge.
“This bill is not merely about numbers or political arithmetic; it is about justice. And as we push for its passage in the 10th Assembly, we recognize that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments alone, but through the mobilization of hearts and minds, and this exhibition does precisely that. Because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy,” Kalu said.
Ibijoke Faborode, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ElectHER and Lead Curator, Art For Governance Exhibition highlighted the importance of gender-inclusive governance in fostering stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and broader socio-economic growth.
The Minister of Women Affairs and other notable personalities who spoke at the Exhibition also expressed their commitment to ensuring the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which aims to increase women’s representation in governance.
The Exhibition produced top 3 artists from over 150 other competitors who won special prizes for their extraordinary artworks.
The artists included Segun Owolabi who won the first position for N2 million; Chidinma Mordi, second position for N1. 5 million and Precious Samuel, third Position for N1 million but the prizes were later doubled by the Deputy Speaker.
The prize winners will also exhibit their work at the Echoes of Equity; Art For Governance event and display their works at the National Assembly Library for about three weeks.
