The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has voiced strong support for the Reserved Seats Bill, urging the National Assembly to swiftly pass the legislation to increase women’s representation in governance.
The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja on Monday night, organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women’s empowerment, Senator Tinubu—represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives—emphasised the crucial role of women in shaping Nigeria’s future.
She stated, “In the context of governance and inclusion, it offers a unique and compelling way to spotlight the urgent need for greater female representation in leadership and decision-making processes. The artworks being displayed today serve not only for a Nigeria where political leadership is truly inclusive and reflective of its people. The emphasis on affirmative action bill is essential to amplifying the message of inclusion contained in this exhibition.”
“Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress, yet their representation in governance remains limited. Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions, and driving national development is not just a matter of justice—it is a necessity for stable growth. Therefore, I support the affirmative action bill that mandates at least 35 percent of seats in the legislative and executive arms being occupied by women. I urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill.”
“I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women, and nation-building. This has been my mission during my tenure as First Lady of Lagos, as a Senator, and now as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I firmly believe in the importance of women’s voices in governance. I urge my former colleagues, civil society organisations, and the public to embrace the message of this exhibition and collaborate to ensure that women’s voices are heard.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, condemned the systemic underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, describing it as a major flaw in Nigeria’s democracy.
“Today, we wield the transformative power to address one of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s democracy: the systemic underrepresentation of women in governance. We see the struggles, the resilience, and the undeniable strength of women who have fought to lead, only to be met with barriers. But barriers can be broken. That is why this exhibition is not just a cultural moment—it is an advocacy tool, a visual argument, a movement in motion.”
“The Art for Governance exhibition is anchored on a pivotal legislative effort: The Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024—popularly known as the Additional Seats Bill. This bill is not merely about numbers or political arithmetic; it is about justice. And as we push for its passage in the 10th Assembly, we recognise that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments alone, but through the mobilisation of hearts and minds. This exhibition does precisely that. Because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy,” Kalu said.
Ibijoke Faborode, the Chief Executive Officer of ElectHER and Lead Curator of the Art for Governance Exhibition, highlighted the significance of gender-inclusive leadership in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting economic growth.
“Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, has one of the lowest rates of female political representation on the continent. With women comprising nearly 50 percent of the population but less than 4 percent of the National Assembly, the underrepresentation of women in governance remains a critical challenge to achieving inclusive democracy and sustainable development.”
“As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill can be a game-changer for socio-economic transformation. We are building the momentum needed to mainstream the Reserved Seats Bill, shift public discourse, and drive its passage. This is not just about a policy change—it is about reshaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape to reflect the full strength of its people,” she said.
The Minister of Women Affairs and other notable personalities who spoke at the exhibition also pledged their support for the Special Seats Bill, aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance.
The exhibition featured a competitive art contest, with over 150 participants. The top three artists were awarded special prizes for their outstanding works:
– First Place: Segun Owolabi – N2 million
– Second Place: Chidinma Mordi – N1.5 million
– Third Place: Precious Samuel – N1 million
In a surprise gesture, Deputy Speaker Kalu doubled the prize money for the winners.
Additionally, the prize-winning artworks will be displayed at the Echoes of Equity: Art for Governance event and exhibited at the National Assembly Library for three weeks.
