The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, on Thursday expressed full support for the proposed Special Seats Bill, describing it as a crucial step toward correcting long-standing gender imbalances in political leadership.
Elemide gave the assurance when a coalition of women’s rights organisations paid him an advocacy visit at his office in Abeokuta.
The delegation comprised representatives of the Women in Politics Forum, 100 Women Lobby Group, Safepoint and Care Initiative, and the Women in Media Development Initiative, with support from Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria.
The team was led by Professor Olubunmi Ashimolowo, who represented the President of the Women in Politics Forum, Dr. Felicia Iyore Onibon.
Ashimolowo explained that the Special Seats Bill seeks to increase the number of elected positions reserved for women in both federal and state legislatures, noting that Nigeria’s representation rate remains one of the lowest in Africa.
She stressed that the bill would not only amplify women’s voices in governance but also strengthen democratic inclusion and improve policy outcomes.
“We are here to seek your support in ensuring that Ogun State sets an example by backing this bill. Women constitute half of the population, yet their presence in the political space is extremely low. This bill is one of the most practical steps toward bridging that gap,” she said.
Responding, Speaker Elemide commended the coalition for its sustained push toward women’s inclusion and vowed that the House would not hesitate to support any legislation that enhances fair representation.
“I am impressed with the passion and commitment your organisations have shown. Women deserve adequate representation, and we will support efforts aimed at ensuring they have a stronger voice in governance,” he assured.
Elemide added that the Assembly is open to further engagements that will facilitate the smooth passage of the proposed bill.
Other members of the visiting team included Aina Omolola, Aderiike Akinmade, Roheematullahi Salaudeen, and Sakirat Adekunle.
The meeting ended with both parties pledging continued collaboration, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the advocacy engagement.
The advocacy visit was documented by Ashimolowo Olubunmi of the 100 Women Lobby Group.
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