League of Women Voters, NAWOJ Champion Push for 74 Special Seats Bill in Kebbi
By Abdullahi Tukur, Kebbi
The League of Women Voters in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has launched an advocacy campaign in Kebbi State to raise public support for the 74 Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to enhance women’s representation in governance by reserving special seats for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kebbi State, Blessing Michael, emphasized that the campaign aims to create a more inclusive and representative democracy, where women’s voices are not only heard but also influential in decision-making.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to rally behind this bill,” she stated. “Supporting it means promoting gender equality, empowering women politically, and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.”
Michael extended appreciation to the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for her consistent support of the initiative. She also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and women-led organizations to lend their voices to the growing demand for gender-balanced representation.
Speaking at the event, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, who served as chairman of the occasion, stressed the need for merit-based inclusion. He noted that while increased participation is welcome, quality and integrity should guide the selection of women in governance.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Governor’s wife by the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Rafa’atu Garba Hamman, she urged that only women with dignity and societal respect should be entrusted with leadership roles.
“It’s not just about quantity but also the quality of women leaders. Those who have proven responsible and upright should be encouraged to step forward,” she said.
The event drew participants from a wide array of stakeholders, including women groups, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions. Papers were also presented on key themes such as women’s rights, political inclusion, and the critical role of female leadership in shaping national development.
