Jigawa First Lady Joins North-West Women to Push for Reserved Seats Bill in Kaduna

By Hamza Ahmad, Dutse

The wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Ambassador Dr. Amina Umar Namadi, has joined thousands of women in Kaduna State for the flag-off of the North-West Sensitization Campaign advocating the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill in Nigerian legislatures.

The proposed bill seeks to strengthen women’s representation by reserving one of the three senatorial seats in each state for women. It also mandates that every state elect at least one female member into the House of Representatives, while guaranteeing three seats for women in each State House of Assembly.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Kaduna, Dr. Amina Umar Namadi described the bill as a critical step toward inclusive governance, noting that it would significantly increase women’s participation across all legislative chambers in Nigeria.

According to her, the proposed law would empower women to actively engage in governance, promote gender equity, and provide a stronger platform for advancing and protecting women’s interests at both state and national levels. She urged participants to sustain advocacy efforts to ensure the bill’s passage and full implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, disclosed that the bill has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate.

She described the development as a major milestone in the pursuit of inclusive governance and gender balance in the country.

The advocacy received strong support from the Kaduna State Government, with Governor Uba Sani and his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, reaffirming their commitment to gender equity and increased women’s participation in governance.

Once assented to by the President, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is expected to significantly boost women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies, paving the way for more inclusive and effective governance nationwide.

Dr. Amina Namadi commended participants for their dedication and commitment to protecting women’s rights and interests, assuring them of her continued support for the advocacy.