Abuja: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has joined other Nigerian lawmakers in calling for 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the legislature. Represented by the Wife of the Speaker, Hajiya Fatima Abass, Mrs. Tinubu made this declaration on Tuesday morning at the Exhibition on Art for Governance held at the National Assembly Library.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the exhibition was organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in collaboration with Echoes of Equity, an NGO, and the Ministry of Women Affairs. Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the initiative blends creativity with advocacy to foster important discussions on governance, inclusion, and nation-building. She highlighted the power of art in storytelling and its role in advocating for increased female representation in leadership and decision-making.
Mrs. Tinubu stated that the Affirmative Action Bills are crucial tools to amplify the message of inclusion presented in the exhibition. She remarked on the necessity of ensuring women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions, and driving national development. She expressed her support for the Affirmative Action Bill, which mandates that at least 35 per cent of seats in the legislative and executive arms be occupied by women, and urged the National Assembly to expedite its passage.
The first lady further reiterated her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and nation-building. She reflected on her mission during her tenure as the wife of the governor of Lagos State, as a Senator, and now as the First Lady, emphasizing the importance of women’s voices in governance. She called on her former colleagues, civil society organisations, and the public to embrace the message of the exhibition and collaborate to ensure women’s voices are heard.
NAN also reported that ‘Threads of Legacy’ by Segun Owolabi won the best Artist award in the art exhibition. Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the artist and noted that the artworks serve as catalysts for advocacy, promoting inclusive political leadership. She congratulated the top three finalists and all participants, hoping the exhibition would inspire lasting change towards more gender-sensitive governance in Nigeria.
In his message, Deputy Speaker Kalu stated that the exhibition aims to spark dialogue on gender-responsive legislation and social cohesion. As the lead sponsor of the bill, he champions equitable gender representation, acknowledging that empowered women empower nations. He emphasized that the House of Representatives must reflect Nigeria’s diverse voices and that the exhibition reinforces their commitment to inclusive democracy, highlighting the shared responsibility to build a nation where every citizen’s voice is heard and valued.
