FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Immediate past Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Marie Oligbi-Edeko has urged the National and State Assemblies to hasten the passage of the Nigeria Reserved Seat Bill for Women.
The lawmaker stated that the passage of the bill will enable many women participate in the forthcoming elections in the country.
Oligbi-Edeko added that the bill which is meant to increase the quota of women in governance is still in the House of Representatives, while party primaries are a few months away.
She stated this while delivering a lecture at the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at the Government House, Benin City.
Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North East Constituency II at the Edo State House of Assembly, lamented the gross underrepresentation of women in parliament.
The one-day stakeholders conference was organised by Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady and development partners, with the theme, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.”
She said currently, Nigeria has 3.6 percent women representation in parliament compared to other African countries like Rwanda, Namibia and Senegal with 61.3%, 46.2%, 44.2% respectively.
She highlighted 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 at State Assemblies, making a total of 182.
According to her, the additional seats will only give women marginal increase. It is crucial to note that they do not preclude them from contesting for existing regular seats.
According to her, “Increasing women’s participation in governance and decision making processes is essential for sustainable development”.
Speaking at the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Kenneth Ihensekhien, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” serves as a timely reminder that the progress of any society is closely tied to how well it protects the rights, dignity and opportunities of its women and girls.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Nimata Ikhilor, described the International Women’s Day as a significant global occasion to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of women and girls, while also reflecting on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, said the event was organised not only to celebrate women, but also to recognise the strength, courage, resilience and limitless potentials they bring to families, communities and the state.
