The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ogun State Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has called for increased support for the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to enhance women’s representation in political leadership across Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that Adeleye made the call at the Town Hall Meeting on Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria, organized by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Commissioner pointed out that the rejection of all women-related bills during the 9th National Assembly, was regrettable describing it as a major setback to gender equity, and emphasized that the advancement of women in politics was no longer optional but a national necessity for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Penpushing further reports that Adeleye, emphasised that no nation can flourish without women, as she encouraged womenfolk to support one another, speak with one voice, and build bridges across political, social, and generational divides.
The Commissioner in same vein advocated for strong grassroots mobilisation, stressing the need to take the campaign beyond the elite class, stressing on importanceneed to take the campaign to markets, mosques, churches, campuses as well as media.
“We must take this message to markets, mosques, churches, campuses, and media platforms to demand fairness and equity in our democratic structure”, Adeleye emphasised.
Penpushing also reports that she equally noted that the proposed ‘Gender Bill’ would provide a well-structured access point for women into legislative offices, thus correcting decades of gender imbalance.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government, especially through the State Ministry of Women Affairs to push for gender-responsive policies while continuing to partner with critical stakeholders, including CSOs, royal institutions, and faith-based organisations, to drive a collective shift in attitude and institutional support for women’s leadership.
Penpushing reports the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who delivered the keynote address, described the Gender Bill as a bold and necessary step to correct historic underrepresentation of women in politics, disclosing that the bill proposes 74 additional legislative seats in the National Assembly and 108 in State Houses of Assembly, exclusively for women.
The number two citizen of the state explained that the initiative, when passed, would be a major tool for unlocking the full benefits of women’s political participation, pointing out that the bill must not be viewed as a handout but as a necessary hand-up to build a more inclusive political system that reflects the full diversity and talents of Nigeria
Penpushing further reports that Salako-Oyedele urged all stakeholders to build strong alliances across party and gender lines to ensure the bill becomes law.
The President of League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) Hon. Irene Ikyegh, in a goodwill message expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and state Chapter of the league for their sustained advocacy for women.
Penpushing also reports that Ikyegh expressed optimism that the bill, if passed, would enhance women’s confidence, political visibility, and integrity in leadership.
Meanwhille, present at the event include Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola, stressed the need for increased literacy among women as a foundation for active political participation, while other speakers are Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa, Mr. Adeshina Adesegun (CSO), Mrs. Olatayo Adeifa (Women with Disabilities), and Mrs. Elizabeth Egbeyemi (NILOWV Ogun Chapter), and collectively called for unity among women, stronger partnerships, and sustained advocacy to ensure the bill is passed ahead of the 2027 elections.
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