In Maiduguri, empowered voices united to champion the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future as Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, described the bill as a “transformative proposal capable of rewriting the story of political participation in Nigeria.”
He emphasized the critical roles women in the North-East have played in rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and highlighted the need for constitutionally protected political space.
“It is only just and progressive that we now advocate for a constitutionally guaranteed space for women in legislative leadership,” Zulum said.
He urged lawmakers nationwide to support the bill as a step toward fairness, justice, and a more inclusive Nigeria.
He reaffirmed Borno State’s commitment to women’s empowerment through appointments, economic interventions, and expanded access to education for girls, while noting that structural barriers would persist without constitutional reform.
The political leaders, women advocates, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across the North-East convened at the Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, on Wednesday for a regional sensitization programme on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349).
The theme was , “North-East Women Rising: Advocating for Our Constitutional Space in Leadership,” while the gathering marked a major milestone in the national effort to strengthen women’s representation in governance.
In her remark, the wife of the governor, Falmata Zulum, commended the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, for leading nationwide advocacy for the bill.
She also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative continues to advance women’s empowerment across the country.
Falmata praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and emphasized that the Reserved Seats Bill seeks fairness and equity, not privilege.
APC national women leader, Mary Idele, urged women across the region to stand united and boldly assert their constitutional rights, describing the moment as a defining one for gender inclusion in Nigeria.
North-East Coordinator for Advocacy on Constitutional Space in Leadership, Halima Hayatu, appealed to both state and national lawmakers for the swift passage of the bill, stressing its importance in addressing historical gaps in political representation.
Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, praised the governor’s unwavering support for women’s empowerment and acknowledged Hon. Halima Hayatu’s relentless advocacy across the six states of the region.
She also highlighted the broad impact of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
There were goodwill messages from distinguished women leaders—including Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, Fatsuma Talba, Zainab Gimba, and Binta Mas that reinforced the urgency of collective action to secure the bill’s passage.
The sensitization programme concluded with a united commitment from the North-East to champion HB 1349 and advance gender-inclusive governance nationwide.
