The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has endorsed a proposed bill aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative chambers by reserving special seats for them.
The bill, championed by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja—an event organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, a women’s advocacy group, Mrs. Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the critical role of women in governance.
She lamented the low number of women in legislative and executive positions despite their significant contributions to national development.
“Ensuring women have a stronger voice in decision-making and policy formulation is not just about fairness; it is a necessity for sustainable growth,” she stated, urging lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, which mandates at least 35% representation for women in both legislative and executive arms of government.
Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to gender inclusion, recalling her advocacy efforts as First Lady of Lagos State, a Senator, and now as Nigeria’s First Lady.
She called on lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the public to support the bill, stressing that greater women’s participation in governance would benefit the nation.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu condemned the marginalization of women in leadership and stressed the importance of the bill in ensuring justice and equity.
“This bill is not just about numbers or political strategy; it is about fairness,” Kalu said. “Passing it in the 10th Assembly will not only strengthen our democracy but also leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity.”
Ibijoke Faborode, CEO of ElectHER and lead curator of the Art for Governance Exhibition, highlighted the broader benefits of gender-balanced governance, including stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and accelerated socio-economic growth.
The Minister of Women Affairs and other prominent figures at the event also expressed their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, viewing it as a crucial step toward gender equality in Nigerian politics.
As part of the event, top artists were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Art for Governance initiative. From over 150 competitors, three winners emerged:
- Segun Owolabi (First Place) – N2 million
- Chidinma Mordi (Second Place) – N1.5 million
- Precious Samuel (Third Place) – N1 million
In a surprise gesture, Deputy Speaker Kalu doubled the prize amounts, rewarding the artists for their creativity in using art to amplify the message of equity and inclusion.
Their winning pieces will be exhibited at the Echoes of Equity: Art for Governance event and displayed at the National Assembly Library for three weeks, reinforcing the intersection between art, advocacy, and policy reform.
