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

Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

In a heartwarming celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, Hope Everyday Foundation (H.E.F.), a medical non-governmental organization based in Kuje, Abuja, organized a free medical outreach, health awareness campaign, and welfare donation exercise at a local orphanage and school, Al Ansar Children’s Home.

Continuing its tradition of reaching out to vulnerable children, H.E.F. selected Al Ansar Children’s Home — located in the Hajiya Zara neighborhood of Kuje Area Council — as its outreach destination for 2025.

The event brought together a team of 34 volunteers, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists, and administrative staff, all committed to making positive impact.

Executive Director HEF, Dr. Nkechi Akinwale, while presenting the relief materials, emphasized the organisation’s mission to spread love and hope.

Akinwale said, “Each of you is special to God Almighty. We are here to let you feel that love and care.”

The Foundation donated essential welfare and relief materials, including rice, beans, noodles, milk, eggs, cereals, diapers, toilet paper, detergent, fully stocked first aid box — the first of its kind received by the orphanage

The Children’s Day outreach also featured engaging health education sessions delivered through drama, songs, quizzes, and interactive games. Children were thrilled to receive party packs containing exercise books, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, snacks, and drinks.

Delivering his vote of thanks, Coordinator of Al Ansar Children’s Home, Ustaz Yunus expressed deep gratitude to the Organisation for the gift items.
Yunus said, “We have never received a fully stocked first aid box before, this is historic for us.”

He prayed for divine blessings upon HEF staff and volunteers. Matron and Assistant Head, Rukkayat Muhammad, added emotionally, “H.E.F really shocked me today.”

The event concluded with a free medical check-up for all orphanage staff, including, vital signs assessment (blood pressure, temperature, laboratory tests for malaria, typhoid, and blood sugar, on-site doctors consultation and free medications

Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja

Tinubu Briefed on Current Strategic Partnership Between Nigeria and China

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has received briefing on the current state of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The President was briefed on Monday by the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the meeting, Tegbe provided an update on the ongoing activities and initiatives of the NCSP office, highlighting significant progress made in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Since his appointment, Tegbe has led robust engagements with key stakeholders in the Chinese government and business community, working to attract targeted investments into Nigeria across critical sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, and mineral development.

President Tinubu commended Tegbe and his team for their dedication and the tangible strides made in aligning international cooperation with Nigeria’s national development goals.

He expressed full confidence in Tegbe’s leadership and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s partnership with China to accelerate industrialization and economic transformation.

In his remarks, the President charged the NCSP with the task of fast-tracking the execution of priority projects that deliver real and measurable benefits to the Nigerian people. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria-China relationship in the industrialization of Nigeria.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign and economic policy, aimed at unlocking new opportunities in trade, infrastructure, energy, and human capital development.

Tinubu Briefed on Current Strategic Partnership Between Nigeria and China