NILOWV : Women Affairs Minister Rallies Support For Reserved Seat Bill For Women

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim has called on Women groups to mobilize votes for credible leadership and mentor new generation of women that will lead the country with integrity, empathy and courage.

Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim gave the advice at the annual conference of League of Women Voters of Nigeria, NILOWV in Abuja.

The Minister, who was represented by Ola Erinfolami, commended NILOWV for their unwavering commitment in promoting women’s civic engagement and political participation.

She noted that the theme of the conference is timely in affirming a universal truth that inclusive governance and gender equality are not optional but necessary conditions for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

The Minister added that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not an act of benevolence but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s democratic strength and collective progress.

While highlighting ongoing reforms by the Ministry to mainstream gender considerations at all levels, she stressed that “policies alone are not enough unless they translate into measurable outcomes that reach women where they are, in every community across all 774 local government areas.”

Earlier, the National President of NILOWV, Irene Awunah ikegh, reaffirmed her efforts in building a formidable force with other women groups targeted at the speedy passage of the Reserved seat bill

She stressed that the 2027 elections would mark a defining moment for women in politics, that would change the dynamics of Nigerian politics and restore democratic integrity.

“It was resolved that the League would amplify the Bills at the National Assembly,” Awunah-Ikyegh said.

“We launched our ‘Her Seats in Parliament’ campaign in February and secured the buy-in of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders. We also gathered over 1.2 million signatures and presented them during the National Public Hearing.”

On her part, the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Aishatu Ibrahim Kwaya Bura, aligned with NILOWV’s advocacy efforts, saying NAWOJ would continue to use its platforms to amplify public support for women-centred legislation.

Aishatu Ibrahim Bura stressed the need for Women’s votes and voices to go beyond election day, adding that it must shape politics at discourse, influence governance, and hold leaders accountable.

She further noted that solidarity among women groups remains critical to influencing political outcomes, adding.

“When women unite around a shared vision of justice and progress, transformation becomes inevitable, and democracy becomes stronger.”

In a goodwill message,Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, represented by DanMasani Raba Nupe, Dr. Muhammad Kudu Abubakar, while recognizing the critical roles of women in building progressive governance, pledged the support of traditional rulers in advocating speedy passage of the reserve seat bill.

Other Dignitaries who took turns to give their goodwill messages include Director General, National Centre for Women Development, Hajia Asabe Vilita Bashir, the First Lady if Kwara State and Chairperson Of Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Prof Olufolake Abdulrazak, represented by Barrister Hauwa Halira, the Chairman of NIDCOM,Hon.Abike Dabiri Erewa, among other dignitaries.

The Conference which has the theme “the power of women voices and votes : A critical tool for electoral victory brought together women delegates of NILOWV State Chapters across the 36 states and the FCT as well as other women groups.

Nkiruka Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji