Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has renewed the Federal Government’s push for gender-inclusive governance, urging members of the National Assembly to pass the Gender Parity Bill, currently awaiting legislative approval.
She made the call on Friday evening during a dinner held in honour of federal lawmakers at the State House Banquet Hall.
The event doubled as a forum for open discussion on the nation’s socio-political challenges and areas of collaboration between the executive and legislature.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Tinubu said the proposed legislation also referred to as the Reserved Seats for Women Bill—offers Nigeria a transformative opportunity to correct long-standing imbalances in political representation.
She noted that advocacy for the bill had gained renewed momentum across the country and even among international partners.
According to her, the 10th National Assembly has the rare chance to “etch its name in history” by championing women’s political participation at a critical moment in the nation’s democratic evolution.
The First Lady appealed to lawmakers to consider the bill not merely as a gender issue but as an investment in Nigeria’s future, emphasising that the welfare and protection of both girls and boys depend on improved governance structures.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed worry over recent national developments that threaten children’s access to safe schooling, especially the girl-child.
She also highlighted the plight of boys trapped in the Almajiri system, noting that lack of basic support leaves many of them vulnerable to exploitation.
The First Lady argued that comprehensive reforms are needed to restore dignity, provide secure learning environments and build a generation of empowered citizens.
Referencing the global success of affirmative action policies, she urged Nigeria to embrace measures that have enhanced political stability and inclusive governance in other nations.
The dinner drew several high-ranking officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The First Lady described the meeting as a moment for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the legislature and the presidency.
Responding to the First Lady’s remarks, Senate President Akpabio commended her for initiating a constructive gathering at a time of national uncertainty.
He reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to working closely with President Bola Tinubu to address security concerns and promote stability.
Akpabio revealed that he had written to two U.S. congressmen earlier in the day to counter claims suggesting widespread religious persecution in Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the Senate had resolved to categorise kidnapping as a terrorism offence that would attract the death penalty without the possibility of judicial discretion.
On the Gender Parity Bill, the Senate President assured Mrs. Tinubu that lawmakers were ready to support legislation that advances gender equality, noting that women’s issues should not only receive attention during crises.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas praised the First Lady’s advocacy, describing her as a voice that has elevated women’s issues and national peacebuilding efforts.
He said the House of Representatives recently dedicated a full week of plenary sessions to national security for the first time in its history, with members endorsing the president’s reform agenda.
Abbas stressed that the underrepresentation of women in political leadership remains a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and security.
He said the adoption of the Gender Parity Bill would place the country on a path toward fairness and long-term national cohesion.
