PROTOCOLS.
- I begin by expressing my deep appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, for his steadfast leadership in upholding the vibrancy of the National Assembly, and for going a step further to place the issue of Special Seats for Women firmly on the national agenda. This bold inclusion signals a new era of inclusive lawmaking, where equity and justice are not sidelined, but championed.
- I particularly commend the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his undaunting commitment and consistent advocacy in pushing the Special Seats Bill for Women. His leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing critical support for this cause, and we acknowledge his courage and partnership.
- To the leadership of the House and the Senate, I extend our gratitude for recognizing the urgency of this matter. I also wish to specially appreciate the Chairpersons of the Committees on Women Affairs; Senator Ireti Kingibe in the Senate and Hon. Kafilat Ogbara in the House and the Chair of the Women In Parliament, Hon. Fati Talba, for their tireless work and unwavering dedication to the advancement of women’s rights and political representation.
- Let me also salute the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for charting a bold and inclusive pathway for Nigerian women, children, and families through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Their vision and leadership are laying the foundation for sustainable gender equality across all spheres.
- Distinguished guests, as we gather here today, the statistics compel urgent reflection. In our current 10th National Assembly, there are only 4 women in the Senate and 17 in the House of Representatives, just 21 women out of 469 legislators, representing a mere 4.5% of total membership.
- At the State level, only 48 women were elected into the Houses of Assembly in 2023, out of over 1,000 female candidates. That is 4.7% representation across all 36 states. Even more alarming is that 13 States; Abia, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Osun, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara; currently have no female legislators at all.
- So we must pause always and ask; with our hearts open and eyes unclouded. In the chambers where laws are made, when voices rise on tax and trade, but fall silent on the pain of childbirth, or the shame girls carry for bleeding in school, who will speak of the mother who died giving life? Who will defend the girl forced to grow up too soon? Or the boy forced to become a gangster as Who will carry the weight of widows, the hopes of daughters, the cries of the forgotten? When no woman sits at the table, their stories remain untold, their needs unmet, their futures uncertain. If not women, who? If not now, when will justice finally come?
- The Special Seats Bill is not a favour to women; it is a national necessity. It is a constitutional corrective, long overdue, to ensure our democracy works for all citizens. It is about justice, representation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria.
- To the sponsors of the Bill, our partners in civil society, the media, and everyone who continues to champion this cause; Nigerian Women say thank you. Together, we have the opportunity to make history and deliver a legacy of inclusive governance for generations to come.
- Let us seize this moment. Let us speak with one voice. And let us rise as a nation that values the voices and leadership of its women.
- And when history looks back on this moment, Let it be said that Nigeria chose wisdom over exclusion, that we opened the door to 100 million dreams, while planting equity in the heart of democracy.The Special Seats Bill will not just empower women, it will strengthen homes, inform policy, nurture peace, and ignite the full genius of our nation.This is not a woman’s fight. It is Nigeria’s opportunity. Let us not lose it.
- Long live Nigeria Women. Long live the 10th National Assembly. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I thank you all.
