A former Special Adviser to a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the proposed Special Seats Bill for women, warning that continued delay in the legislation would further deepen the marginalisation of women in Nigeria’s political space.
Dr. Fagboyo made the call during a public lecture organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Ekiti State chapter, where stakeholders canvassed stronger female participation in governance and political decision-making across the country.
Speaking on the topic, “Understanding the Special Seats Bill: Women Representation in Nigerian Politics, Current Statistics and Challenges,” with the sub-theme, “Lessons from Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on Women Political Participation,” the former aide described the proposed legislation as a strategic constitutional intervention designed to bridge the glaring gender gap in Nigeria’s political system.
According to her, the bill seeks to create additional seats exclusively for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, while also encouraging political parties to institutionalise gender-inclusive policies that would increase women’s representation in elective offices.
“The essence of the bill is to promote inclusive governance and gender equity. It does not stop women from contesting existing positions, but rather creates additional opportunities that will guarantee adequate female representation in governance,” she stated.
Dr. Fagboyo advocated the reservation of six special seats for women and urged Nigerian women to build their leadership capacities, participate actively in politics and resist intimidation that often discourages female aspirants from contesting elective positions.
She identified political violence, financial constraints, cultural barriers, poor media representation and institutional discrimination as some of the major challenges limiting women’s participation in politics.
Recounting incidents of violence against female politicians during elections, she said many women shy away from politics because of insecurity and intimidation associated with the political process.
“If women continue to withdraw from politics out of fear, the representation gap will continue to widen. Political parties must therefore be deliberate and intentional in creating opportunities for women,” she said.
The gender advocate further cited the leadership examples of countries such as Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, where affirmative action policies and gender quotas have significantly improved women’s participation in governance.
She also referenced the global COVID-19 experience, arguing that countries led by women demonstrated remarkable crisis-management capacity, a development she said underscored the importance of women in leadership and governance.
Dr. Fagboyo lamented the poor representation of women in Nigeria’s legislature, noting that despite women constituting a significant percentage of the population, their presence in elective offices remained abysmally low.
She also criticised societal and media attitudes that often diminish women’s achievements by attributing their successes to male figures around them.
“Women deserve to be recognised for their accomplishments and contributions to national development. There is a need for mentorship, empowerment and stronger support systems for aspiring female leaders,” she added.
In his keynote address, the DG of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Board Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre stressed the critical role of women in nation-building, insisting that women should not be treated as appendages to men but as equal partners in societal development.
He decried what he described as the systemic exclusion of women from political power despite their active involvement in political mobilisation and electioneering activities.
“Women are always at the forefront during campaigns. They mobilise support, canvass votes and endure difficult conditions during political activities, yet they are often sidelined when appointments and elective positions are being shared,” he said.
Ojo-Lanre maintained that women’s responsibilities extend far beyond domestic duties, arguing that the society itself is built and sustained through their contributions.
He added that the proposed Special Seats Bill would help guarantee between 40 and 60 per cent representation for women in governance and strengthen inclusive leadership across the country.
Also speaking, Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Ekiti State chapter, Comrade Wumi Ademiju, called for stronger female representation in politics and governance, urging women to continue supporting one another and building leadership capacity.
Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ekiti State, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, urged women to take active roles in shaping policies that would determine the nation’s future.
According to him, women should no longer be relegated to the background in politics but should occupy front-row positions in governance and policy formulation.
He assured that the media would continue to support women making meaningful contributions to society while also encouraging women to support fellow women in politics.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards by NAWOJ to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe III, Special Adviser on Media to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Mrs. Okiemien and Dr. Margaret Fagboyo for their contributions to women development programmes and advocacy against gender-based violence.
The event, held at the Sanni Abacha Hall, Oke Ori Omi, Ado Ekiti, was attended by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, represented by a Permanent Secretary in the ministry; HeForShe gender advocate, Comrade Rotimi Feyisina; Toyin Omolewa; Director-General of Civic Orientation, Mrs. Famuyiwa; representatives of International Federation of Women Lawyers, the Nigerian Bar Association, youth corps members and other stakeholders.
