Mrs Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, an advocate of Reserved Seats for Women Bill, has described the First Lady’s endorsement of the proposed bill as a “decisive milestone.”
Igbinedion-Ogwuche, in a statement on Friday, noted that the development would strengthen Nigeria’s push for gender inclusion.
She said Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s support represents “a decisive and transformative moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” showing the weight of sustained advocacy and principled national leadership.
She added that the endorsement followed months of strategic dialogue, targeted engagement, and persistent pressure from women’s organisations and advocates across the country.
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill seeks to widen female political representation by creating constitutionally guaranteed seats for women at federal and state levels.
It proposes additional special seats that ensure every state elects at least one woman to the Senate and several women to the House of Representatives.
Nigeria continues to record one of Africa’s lowest rates of female political participation despite decades of campaigns aimed at broadening women’s representation.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche said the First Lady’s position “marks a decisive turning point in our national journey toward true inclusion,” and signals overdue recognition of women’s political contributions.
She noted that the development was achieved through “persistent engagement, hard truths, and unwavering commitment” from women pushing for legislative fairness.
“This endorsement is not just a political affirmation. It is a declaration that our democracy must recognise the voice and presence of Nigerian women,” she said.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche stressed that the moment was built on years of organising by women who refused to accept exclusion from national leadership spaces.
“This moment was earned through resilience. Through women and allies who refused silence and insisted that inclusion is essential, not optional,” she said.
She hailed the First Lady’s backing as a powerful message to policymakers that genuine reform is possible when leaders embrace empathy and courage.
“It shows that progress is within reach when we commit to unity and recognise that women’s advancement strengthens Nigeria’s development,” she said.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche dedicated the breakthrough to women who campaigned for space in governance despite longstanding structural and cultural barriers.
“To every woman who marched, advocated, and kept pushing when doors were shut — this moment belongs to you,” she said.
She said the endorsement should boost momentum as the Bill moves through the National Assembly for critical legislative consideration.
She described the Bill as a structural intervention designed to unlock the leadership potential of women through guaranteed representation and expanded political visibility.
“What we are fighting for is meaningful participation. A Nigeria where women sit at the table and influence decisions that shape our future,” she said.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche called on lawmakers, political parties, civil society groups, and community leaders to match the First Lady’s commitment with bold, timely action.
She said Nigeria must seize the opportunity to correct decades of gender imbalance and create a system that empowers diverse voices in governance.
“This is our moment to rise to the occasion. Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population behind,” she said.
She urged all stakeholders to demonstrate courage and responsibility as the nation debates the Bill’s far-reaching implications for democratic growth.
“The path forward is clear. And the time to act is now,” the gender advocate said
