FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Immediate past Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Oligbi-Edeko has called for stakeholders support for the Nigeria Reserved Seat Bill for Women and the participation of female professionals in politics to increase the quota of women in governance.
Speaking as a panelist at the NBA 2025 annual Law Week held at the High Court in Benin City, Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North East Constituency II, lamented the gross underrepresentation of women in parliament due to cultural barriers.
She stated that currently, Nigeria had 3.6 percent of women representation in parliament, compared to other African countries like Rwanda, Namibia and Senegal with 61.3 percent, 46.2 percent and 44.2 percent, respectively.
The lawmaker called on members of the National and State Assemblies to pass the bill that seeks to provide for seat reservation for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; Bill Num. (HB 1349) in the ongoing constitutional amendment.
She enlightened the participants on the provisions of the bill, stating that it proposes to create 37 additional seats for women in the Senate, 37 additional seats for women in the House of Representatives and 108 additional seats for women in State Assemblies. Making a total of 182.
According to her, the additional seats will only give women marginal increase.
Noting that their inclusion is crucial for national growth, the lawmaker said “society can benefit from a wider talent pool, increased productivity, economic growth, laws that protect vulnerable persons, foster a harmonious society where everyone is valued, better governance and create a more prosperous, equitable and peaceful future for all.”
She described the bill as a crucial tool to protect vulnerable groups in the society.
Mrs Oligbi-Edeko called on critical stakeholders; political, religious and traditional leaders to appeal to members of the National and State Assemblies to pass this bill to correct the imbalance.
Earlier in her welcome address, chairman of the event and Chief Judge of Edo State, Andrew Okungbowa, congratulated Benin Lion Bar for the success of the Law Week and urged all members to uphold the rule of law to maintain the branch’s reputation as the most admired in the country.
