Oluremi Tinubu advocates 35?firmative action for women in Nigeria’s legislature, urging swift passage of the bill.

Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has joined other Nigerian lawmakers in advocating for 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the legislature. She made this call on Tuesday morning in Abuja at the Exhibition on Art for Governance, which was held at the National Assembly Library.

During her address, Ms Tinubu emphasized that the initiative merges creativity with advocacy to encourage important discussions on governance, inclusion, and nation-building. She noted that women play a crucial role in national progress, yet their representation in governance remains low.

She stated that the focus on affirmative action bills is a significant step in reinforcing the message of inclusion conveyed in the exhibition. She further explained that ensuring women have a stronger voice in policy-making, decision-making, and national development is not only a matter of fairness but also a necessity for sustainable growth.

Ms Tinubu expressed her full support for the affirmative action bill, which seeks to ensure that at least 35 per cent of seats in both the legislative and executive branches of government are occupied by women. She urged the National Assembly to speed up the passage of the bill, stressing that increasing women’s participation in governance is essential for the country’s development.

She reiterated her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and nation-building. She stated that this advocacy has been a key part of her mission throughout her career, from her time as the wife of the governor of Lagos State to her tenure as a senator, and now in her role as the first lady.

Ms Tinubu called on her former colleagues in the National Assembly, civil society organizations, and the general public to embrace the message of the exhibition and work together to ensure that women’s voices are heard in governance.