As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill can be a game changer for socioeconomic transformation.”
…as Deputy Speaker’s Office, ElectHER hold art exhibition in Abuja
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – In a major push for gender inclusion in governance, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has endorsed the bill seeking to reserve seats for women in parliament, urging the National Assembly to expedite its passage.
The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is currently under consideration in the House.
Speaking in Abuja at the Art for Governance Exhibition organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, on Monday night, Senator Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House, emphasised the need for greater female representation in leadership.
“In governance and inclusion, it is crucial to highlight the urgent need for increased female representation in decision-making processes. Women are a vital part of our nation’s progress, yet their presence in governance remains limited.
“Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies and driving national development is not just a matter of justice—it is a necessity for stable growth,” she said.
Expressing her full support for the affirmative action bill, which mandates at least 35% of legislative and executive seats for women, the First Lady called on lawmakers, civil society groups, and the public to back the initiative.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu decried the low representation of women in governance, stating that the Additional Seats Bill was a critical step toward addressing systemic exclusion.
“This bill is not just about numbers or political arithmetic—it is about justice,” Kalu said. “Legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments alone but through the mobilisation of hearts and minds. This exhibition is not just a cultural moment—it is an advocacy tool, a movement in motion.”
Ibijoke Faborode, CEO of ElectHER and Lead Curator of the Art for Governance Exhibition, noted that Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female political representation in Africa, with women comprising nearly 50% of the population but holding less than 4% of National Assembly seats.
“As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill can be a game changer for socioeconomic transformation,” she said.
The event also featured remarks from the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, and other prominent figures, all expressing their commitment to increasing women’s representation in governance.
The exhibition recognised three outstanding artists among 150 competitors. Segun Owolabi won first place with a prize of N2 million, Chidinma Mordi took second place with N1.5 million, and Precious Samuel secured third place with N1 million. Deputy Speaker Kalu later doubled the prizes.
The winners will also showcase their works at the Echoes of Equity: Art for Governance event and display them at the National Assembly Library for three weeks.