Connect with us

News

First Lady Support Historic Bill to Reserve Seats for Women in Parliament

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
…as Office Of Deputy Speaker, ElectHer hold art exhibition in Abuja
By Gloria Ikibah
In a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion in governance, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has thrown her weight behind the seat reservation bill for women in the parliament, urging members of the national assembly to expeditiously pass the bill into law.
The bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu is currently before the House of Representatives for consideration and passage.
Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women empowerment in Abuja, Monday night,
Senator Tinubu represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasised the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the country’s future.
She said: “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 mission 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 voices in governance. I urge my former colleagues, the civil society organization and the public to embrace the message of exhibition and collaborate to ensure that women’s voices are heard”.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker decried the underrepresention of women in governance.
“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
recognize that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments
alone, but through the mobilization of hearts and minds, and this exhibition
does precisely that. Because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy”, Kalu said.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ElectHER and Lead Curator, Art For Governance Exhibition, Ibijoke Faborode, highlighted the importance of gender-inclusive governance in fostering stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and broader socio-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% of the population but less than 4% 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 socioeconomic 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 expressed their commitment to ensuring the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which aims to increase women’s representation in governance.
The Exhibition produced top 3 artists from over 150 other competitors who won special prizes for their extraordinary artworks.
The artists included Segun Owolabi who won the first position for N2 million; Chidinma Mordi, second position for N1. 5 million and Precious Samuel, third Position for N1 million but the prizes were later doubled by the Deputy Speaker.
The prize winners will also exhibit their work at the Echoes of Equity; Art For Governance event and display their works at the National Assembly Library for about 3 weeks.

News

Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

Advertisement

He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

Advertisement

He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

Advertisement

“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

Continue Reading

News

“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

Advertisement

​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

Advertisement

​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

Continue Reading

News

Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

Advertisement

Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

Advertisement

Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News