The Mayor of Banjul, capital of The Gambia, Rohey Malick Lowe, has praised the Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Douye Diri, for his strong dedication to women empowerment, gender equality, and social justice.
She made the remarks on Friday during a visit to the Government House in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where she described Governor Diri as a “champion of women, inclusive leadership style and an advocate for greater female participation in governance.”
Lowe, who holds the distinction of being the only female mayor in The Gambia and also serves as President of the African Mayors and Local Government Councillors Association, said her observation of Bayelsa State shows deliberate efforts to uplift and empower women.
“In Africa, we need leaders who believe in women and create space for them to thrive.
”Governor Diri is one of such leaders,” she said, while stressing the importance of male allies in advancing women’s leadership across the continent.
Reflecting on her personal experience in leadership and the cultural obstacles women often face, she noted that meaningful progress depends on intentional support from those in power.
“If we have brothers and leaders who say I want women by my side, then we will continue to rise. African women are proud of you, ” he said.
Lowe, who also serves as Second Vice President of the Global Parliament of Mayors and has received recognition from the United Nations for her advocacy work, formally invited Governor Diri to an upcoming women-focused programme scheduled to hold in Banjul.
The event would feature a book launch, documentary screening, and magazine presentation celebrating African women leaders.
In his response, Governor Diri thanked the Gambian delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening opportunities for women.
He said: “We believe in creating opportunities for women, not by lowering standards, but by ensuring they can compete and succeed. When women are empowered, the entire nation is empowered.”
The governor further stressed the need to eliminate barriers such as political violence and intimidation, which often discourage women from active participation in politics.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe; member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oforji Oboku; Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere; as well as lawmakers representing Ekeremor Constituencies 1 and 2, Tari Porri and Living Mitin.
Others were the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei; and the Mayor of Yenagoa, Bulodisiye Ndiwari, alongside other government officials.
