First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized that the drive to allocate special legislative seats for women should not be misconstrued as an act of charity but rather recognized as a strategic move to enhance democratic governance and inclusivity in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday through the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, at an interactive session on the ‘Special Seat Bill for Women’ during the 2025 Open National Assembly Week, the First Lady commended the 10th House of Representatives for prioritizing discussions around gender representation in the country’s political space.
“This event comes at a very important time in our nation’s history, as the National Assembly is currently conducting public hearings across the country on key constitutional and legislative reforms,” she stated.
She noted that among the most urgent issues being debated is the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics — a challenge the proposed bill seeks to address by creating reserved seats for women in state and federal legislatures.
“As we reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must be honest about where we are and be bold about where we need to go,” Senator Tinubu said. “The truth is that women remain significantly underrepresented at all levels of governance, despite making up nearly half of the population. This is not just a question of fairness; it is a matter of strengthening our democracy and deepening our national development.”
The First Lady underscored that the initiative was not about tokenism, but about affirming women’s capabilities and the value they bring to public service and policymaking.
“I strongly believe that giving women a seat at the table is not about charity. It is about recognising competence, diversity of experience, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership,” she affirmed.
She called on lawmakers to demonstrate the political will necessary to enact the bill, which she described as both “timely” and “necessary.”
“It presents an opportunity for us to move beyond conversations and towards real, concrete action,” she added.
Senator Tinubu also commended the role of women’s advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and male allies who continue to champion the cause of gender inclusion in governance.
“Let us make history by enshrining representation that reflects the strength and diversity of Nigeria,” she concluded.
