By Gloria Ikibah
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has expressed strong support for greater inclusion of women in the nation’s political and decision-making spaces, describing their underrepresentation as a significant setback to national progress.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to his office by members of the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill” campaign, led by media entrepreneur and advocate Osasu Igbinedion, Akpabio highlighted the value women bring to leadership roles. He described them as capable managers and decisive leaders who contribute meaningfully to governance at all levels. 
Akpabio noted that despite their competence, many women continue to face systemic barriers in the political arena, including cultural biases and lack of institutional support.
He also observed a recurring challenge within the electoral process, pointing out that women often do not receive adequate backing from other women during elections , a pattern he said must change if meaningful representation is to be achieved.
Calling for a shift in both mindset and policy, the Senate President reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting gender equity in governance, adding that any society seeking balanced development must ensure women are not left behind in its leadership structures.
“We all came from women. Personally I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors of greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to do more to win more converts for the bill to scale through.
In her speech, Mrs Igbinedion said, “We are here today to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women — farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers — whose voices have for too long been underrepresented in the highest chambers of our democracy.
“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance to finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made.
“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue, it is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue.
“The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peace-building. Representation matters not just symbolically, but substantively.
“This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit we are correcting systemic exclusion.
“Mr. President, your endorsement of this bill will be a turning point. It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, to legislate with empathy, and to act with boldness in pursuit of equality,” she said.
The Senate President and other Senators present were decorated with the “I support reserved seats for women bill” badge.
