Abuja: The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has conferred awards on notable Nigerians for championing gender inclusion, supporting the reserved seat bill, and increasing women’s political participation in Nigeria. Speaking at a dinner and award night in Abuja, Mrs. Irene Awuna-Ikyegh, President of NILOWV, stated that the awards were in recognition of their support and also to encourage others to advocate for the passage of the bill.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NILOWV president listed the awardees to include Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe; Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; and Gov. Abdrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State. Others, as mentioned by her, are Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; Rep. Blessing Amadi; and Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), among others. Awunah-Ikyegh added that the unveiling of the Esther Udehi Award of Excellence is to be won by notable Nigerian women annually for their passion and commitment towards promoting gender equality, empowerment, and political participation.
Dr. Esther Udehi, Founder of NILOWV, expressed concern over women’s low political representation in governance and emphasized the need to advocate for the passage of the bill to improve inclusivity. Udehi appreciated all the supporters, urging Nigerians not to relent but to continue to advocate for the passage of the bill, which will improve national development.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, conferred as ‘Ambassador of Nigerian Women and Champion of Diversity and Inclusion’, noted the role women play in national development. Abubakar, also the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NTRCN), reiterated their commitment to the passage of the bill, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. He encouraged continued efforts in the struggle, affirming their support.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Mrs. Ola Erinfolami, her Special Adviser and Director of Administration, stated that the bill will promote equity and inclusion. Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of IPAC, urged women to believe in themselves and support one another to succeed. He highlighted the shift in advocacy from being led solely by women to now including men who support women’s leadership in socio-political and economic activities. Dantalle emphasized the importance of self-belief and unity among women to achieve societal progress.