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Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years since returning to democracy, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has insisted that the important ingredient needed for the nation’s democracy to thrive was missing.
Speaking at an interaction with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, WIPF Chairperson, Barr. Ebere Ifendu said the Special Seat Bill, a groundbreaking proposal “is not merely an adjustment within our legislative framework; rather, it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in our governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.”
She added that: “Today, we stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy—a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.”
Ifendu said: “The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly—4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives—resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria. This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress.”
She lamented that: “Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments. This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change.”
She explained that: “The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.
“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria. The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy. Importantly, this bill includes a sunset clause that mandates a comprehensive review every 16 years, reinforcing our commitment to ensure its impact remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving society.”
Ifendu noted that: “The journey of the Special Seat Bill is rich with historical significance and advocacy. Initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly by the formidable Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in collaboration with a coalition of 85 lawmakers, including the distinguished former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill exemplifies a collective ambition for true gender equality. Although it faced formidable obstacles and ultimately fell short in its most recent vote in March 2022, the bill stands as a testament to the relentless push for women’s rights and representation within our political framework.
“In response to concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increasing the number of legislative seats, the revised proposal has been meticulously crafted to show that enhancing representation is not a financial burden. The anticipated cost of implementing this bill would be less than 1% of our annual national budget, a figure that illustrates a responsible approach to governance that champions equity without compromising our fiscal integrity.”
She assured that: “Should this transformative bill pass, it would not merely amend our Constitution; it would signify a profound shift in our legislative landscape, ensuring that the voices of women are both recognized and integrated into the core of power structures. This initiative not only aims to elevate women but also seeks to uplift other historically marginalized groups, striving for a legislative environment that genuinely reflects the rich diversity and complexity of our nation.”
She decried that: “The current statistics paint a dismal picture: a mere 3 women serve in the Senate, 14 in the House of Representatives, and only 48 in State Houses of Assembly—a haunting reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to political influence. Nigeria’s alarmingly low ranking of 179 out of 183 countries regarding women’s representation accentuates the imperative for decisive, impactful action to ensure that women’s voices are woven into the legislative fabric where they rightfully belong.”
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
. Borno targets 1m jobs as Baga-Chad water clearance nears completion
By: Michael Mike
The governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated a new 48-classroom integrated learning High Islamic College in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.
The college, which was unveiled on Friday, is specifically designed to offer almajirai a comprehensive second chance at acquiring a balanced education. Its curriculum seamlessly integrates modern formal education with traditional Islamic knowledge and practical vocational skills training.
Speaking at the brief inauguration ceremony, Zulum described the initiative as a critical part of his administration’s policy of empowering the youth to address the problem of illiteracy and the root causes of insecurity facing the state.
The governor stated: “We will introduce Mathematics and English so that the non-formal educational system shall be streamlined with the formal educational system.
“We will ensure they get quality education which can qualify them to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that allows them admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
Expressing excitement about the enrollment drive in Baga town, Zulum said: “I’m so happy to note that the enrollment is very good, and I have seen the number of children who came out to receive us. We shall do everything possible to retain them until they complete their studies. Therefore, I want to introduce a meal per day to the students here.”
The Baga school project is the latest in a series of about 20 similar integrated schools established by the Zulum administration across the state. It is part of the efforts towards sustaining the administration’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of out-of-school children by imparting numeracy and literacy skills to them, which will enable them to contribute to the development of Borno State.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, noted that the state government had provided students with free uniforms, books and other learning materials.
“About 300 uniforms have been provided so far, but in Baga, there is a demand for over 500. We are sending more books, uniforms, dignity kits and bags. The government supplied all these items for free, absolutely free.
“The teachers are community-based and 23 of them are all residents of the Baga community. The principal was, however, promoted from the Local Education Authority,” the commissioner said.
The Governor was accompanied by the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, member of the House of Assembly, representing Kukawa, Karta Maina Ma’Aji, commissioner of information and Internal Affairs, Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner of Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, permanent secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, Executive Secretary, BOGIS, Engr Adam Bababe, and other senior government officials.
. Borno targets 1m jobs as Baga-Chad water clearance nears completion
As part of the Borno State Government’s job creation and livelihood drive, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Friday inspected the Baga-Chad Republic Water Clearance Project which is in its final phase.
The project focuses on clearing decades of silt and invasive plant species from the river channels linking the town of Baga in Nigeria to the receding Lake Chad and opening transportation routes to the Republic of Chad.
Governor Zulum noted that when the project is completed, over one million jobs in agriculture, fishing, and through the trans-border trade will be created.
“Millions of jobs will be created once this clearance is completed. This is one of our major targets; once this work is completed, we can restore millions of jobs to our people,” he assured.
Governor Zulum also stated that the project would enhance the means of livelihood of the community.
He added: “You have seen people start fishing activities here, and above all, in the next few months, the work will be completed, and thereby, commodities will be conveyed from Baga to the Republic of Chad via waterways.
“It is one of the significant projects, which will enhance the socio-economic activities of the people and ensure they have more access to wealth. Above all, the movement of goods and services will increase. I believe this will be a game changer.”
The governor commended the federal government, the Nigerian military, the Naval Commander, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff “and all other military officers working very hard to ensure that access to Chad is open via the waterways.”
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
By: Zagazola Makama
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has engaged stakeholders in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State as part of ongoing non-kinetic measures to counter terrorism in the state.
The meeting, held at the Giwa Local Government Secretariat on Thursday, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Hon. Sani Liman, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Mohammed, the Chairman of Giwa LGA, Ahmed Samaila, traditional rulers, and other community leaders.
Sources told Zagazola that discussions focused on strengthening community-based approaches to ending insecurity.
The meeting was hitch-free and fruitful.
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack on motorists along Zuma–Jibi–Dakwa route, behind Zuma Rock, on Thursday.
Sources said that the armed men opened fire on the troops, who swiftly returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee.
During the operation, two motorcycles suspected to have been abandoned by the criminals were recovered, while one unidentified corpse was also found at the scene and handed over to Keystone authorities.
Security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to ensure safety of commuters.
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
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