The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to inclusive governance as the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Ogun State Chapter, intensified advocacy for the passage of the Special Seats Bill, HB1349.
The Speaker gave the assurance during a high level advocacy visit by the association to the Assembly complex in Abeokuta, where NAWOJ formally presented a position paper seeking legislative backing for the constitutional amendment bill aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative houses.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, the Acting Chairperson of NAWOJ, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, stressed that Nigeria’s democratic process remains weakened by the persistent exclusion of women from political decision making.
“Women’s marginal representation in legislative bodies is not a reflection of capacity but the result of entrenched systemic barriers that require deliberate and corrective legislative action,” Adegoke stated.
She described the Special Seats Bill as a necessary constitutional intervention designed to create additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, thereby strengthening inclusiveness and democratic credibility.
The association urged the Ogun Assembly to lend its voice in support of HB1349, align with national efforts geared towards dismantling barriers to women’s leadership, and promote state level resolutions that would encourage greater political participation among women.
Responding, Elemide commended NAWOJ for its dedication to equity, fairness and responsible governance. He noted that sustainable democratic development cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to ensure broader representation across gender lines.
The Speaker assured the delegation that the Assembly would continue to promote policies that foster inclusiveness and give every stakeholder a sense of belonging in governance.
He added that representation remains a fundamental pillar of a thriving democratic society and pledged that the House would give due consideration to initiatives that advance equitable participation in leadership.
