First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed her commitment to increasing women’s participation in governance, calling for legislative measures that ensure fair representation in decision-making.
Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja, an event promoting gender inclusion in leadership, Tinubu—represented by Fatima Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives—highlighted the urgent need for policies that elevate women’s roles in governance.
She emphasised that achieving gender-balanced leadership is essential for national progress, noting that women’s contributions remain undervalued in political spaces. Her remarks align with ongoing legislative efforts to secure dedicated seats for women in parliament, a proposal currently under consideration.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, a key advocate for the initiative, described the exhibition as a platform to drive awareness and support for legislative change. He stressed that structural barriers continue to hinder women from attaining leadership positions, making proactive policies necessary.
ElectHER CEO Ibijoke Faborode also underscored the urgency of gender-focused reforms, pointing out that despite comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women hold less than 4% of parliamentary seats. She called for bold legislative steps to address this imbalance before the 2027 elections.
The event concluded with a showcase of artistic expressions advocating gender equity, with top artists receiving recognition and cash awards, which Kalu later increased in appreciation of their work.
