The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, on Thursday received a coalition of women’s rights organisations advocating support for the proposed Special Seats Bill aimed at improving women’s representation in governance.
The coalition, which visited the Assembly complex in Abeokuta, included representatives of the Women in Politics Forum, 100 Women Lobby Group, Safepoint and Care Initiative, and the Women in Media Development Initiative, with backing from Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria.
Led by Professor Olubunmi Ashimolowo, who represented the National Coordinator of the 100 Women Lobby Group (100WLG), Dr. Felicia Onibon, the delegation explained that the bill seeks to expand the number of legislative seats reserved for women at both federal and state levels. They noted that Nigeria’s current rate of female political representation remains among the lowest on the continent.
Ashimolowo said the proposed law would not only help balance gender participation in politics but also promote stronger democratic inclusion and better policy outcomes. She urged Ogun State to play a leading role by supporting the initiative, stressing that women—who make up nearly half of the population—are significantly underrepresented in elective positions.
During the visit, the coalition outlined the importance of sustained efforts toward fair representation and highlighted the need for continued engagement with state lawmakers as deliberations on the bill progress.
Other members of the advocacy team included Aina Omolola, Aderiike Akinmade, Roheematullahi Salaudeen, and Sakirat Adekunle.
The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to maintain open channels of collaboration. A group photograph was taken to mark the visit, which was documented by Ashimolowo Olubunmi of the 100 Women Lobby Group.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
