FCT
Senator Kingibe Calls for Greater Women’s Political Representation
***AS Push for Women’s Political Representation Gains Momentum at Town Hall
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe spoke at a Town Hall Meeting focused on women’s political participation, highlighting the urgent need for increased female representation in government.
During the event titled “Enhancing Women Political Representation: Female Legislators Constituency Outreach in Nigeria,” Kingibe pointed out that while women constitute half of Nigeria’s population, they occupy only four percent of the seats in the National Assembly.
She criticized the current state of women’s representation, noting that other countries, such as the Republic of Benin, are advancing toward 50 percent representation, while Nigeria, despite its status as a regional leader, continues to lag behind. “We must include women in decision-making roles, as their participation benefits the entire society,” she asserted.
Kingibe emphasized the unique perspectives and solutions women bring to community issues, particularly in health care, education, and social welfare. Citing a report from the IMF, she argued that closing the gender gap could significantly enhance Nigeria’s GDP.
She urged women to become actively involved in political parties and to support one another, stressing the importance of solidarity. “When women are elected, they tend to advocate for the interests of other women,” she noted.
The senator also addressed necessary legislative changes to promote female involvement, such as proposed bills for special seats and a target of 35 percent inclusion in all sectors. She called on attendees to rally support for these initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reflecting on her own political journey, Kingibe encouraged women to take ownership of their political futures and recognize the power of their votes.
In her conclusion, she reiterated the need to elect both women and gender-sensitive men to create a more inclusive political environment. “Let’s aim for 2027 as a milestone for increased female representation,” she urged, motivating those present to commit to this important mission.
The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, represented by the Head of Gender and Inclusivity Unit, Dr Emily IKhide, highlighted the pressing need for enhanced political representation for women in Nigeria.
Welcoming the attendees, Professor Suleiman pointed out the stark reality: although women make up half of the nation’s population and are active voters, their representation in political offices is dismally low, with just 4% in the National Assembly.
He expressed concern after witnessing the strides made by women in leadership roles during a recent trip to Kenya, contrasting it with Nigeria’s situation.
He urged the women present to recognize their power and potential, stating, “If they don’t give us the law, they cannot take our voice. It is shameful.” Suleiman called for a united front among women to support one another in political endeavors, education, and business initiatives.
The professor emphasized the necessity of building networks for female legislators, allowing constituents to connect and advocate for their representatives effectively.
He encouraged attendees to work together to achieve greater representation, asserting that with solidarity, they could surpass the targeted 35% inclusion rate.
In closing, he expressed gratitude to Senator Ireti Kingibe for her dedication to advancing women’s causes and encouraged all present to unite in support of female leadership, reinforcing that collective action is essential for meaningful change in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The gathering represented a crucial step in the ongoing conversation about enhancing women’s roles in governance and the structural changes needed for their increased representation in Nigeria’s political landscape
Tolulope Oluwafemi, a youth representative, also advocated for women’s empowerment in politics, drawing inspiration from Senator Heebah Ireti Kingibe.
Oluwafemi highlighted the need for increased female representation in Nigerian politics, citing statistics that show women hold only 27% of local government councilorship positions and 4% of parliamentary seats, ranking Nigeria 134th globally in women’s political representation. She called for advocating for gender-sensitive policies, cultural bills, and health initiatives that benefit women, celebrating the achievements of female lawmakers and encouraging continued efforts to dismantle systemic barriers.
Oluwafemi emphasized the importance of solidarity and determination in paving the way for future generations of women leaders.
The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ireti Heebah Kingibe, has expressed profound shock and sadness over the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Suleja, Niger State, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 96 people.
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the senator, Kennedy Mbele in a statement quoted her to have extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Government of Niger State, and the entire nation over this devastating loss.
She prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and quick recovery for those injured in the incident.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for heightened caution by road users, especially those transporting inflammable materials, regardless of road conditions.
She also called on the relevant authorities to prioritize the enforcement of safety regulations across all sectors to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Senator Kingibe reiterated her commitment to advocating for improved safety measures nationwide and prayed that Almighty Allah grants the victims eternal rest.
***Advocates Unity Across Borders
The President General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, has lauded the election of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In his congratulatory message, Ezenekwe, widely regarded as “Agbachikala Nanka,” described the election as a milestone for Igbo unity, calling on all Igbo-speaking people to rally behind their new leader.
In a statement released on January 19, 2025, Ezenekwe emphasized the importance of solidarity among Igbo people, irrespective of their geographical location. He noted that Senator Azuta-Mbata’s emergence reflects a collective commitment to advancing the Igbo cause, both within Nigeria and globally.
“We, Ndị Igbo in Abuja, celebrate this outcome as a testament to our shared identity and resilience,” the statement read. Ezenekwe urged the Igbo people of Rivers State, Senator Azuta-Mbata’s home state, to extend their unwavering support to the new Ohanaeze leadership, stressing that unity is crucial in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
He also addressed recent tensions within the Ikwerre community of Rivers State, urging reconciliation and reiterating the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of the Ikwerre and the larger Igbo family.
“Ikwere is Igbo. It has always been Igbo, and will remain Igbo. This is not a time for divisions but for solidarity,” Ezenekwe declared.
Reflecting on the evolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ezenekwe recounted its roots in the Lagos Igbo Union of the 1930s, its transformation into the Igbo State Union in 1948, and its eventual rebranding as Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979. He described the organization’s history as a testament to the Igbo people’s resilience, unity, and commitment to collective progress.
He further commended Senator Azuta-Mbata’s impressive credentials and urged him to draw on his extensive experience to address the needs of the Igbo people globally.
Engr. Ezenekwe pledged the ICA’s full support for the new Ohanaeze leadership, highlighting the association’s grassroots network of over 78 units across the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the need for collaboration to tackle challenges facing the Igbo nation.
“As the President General of Ndigbo in the Federal Capital Territory, I and the ICA are committed to supporting and cooperating with the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Our unity is our strength,” Ezenekwe affirmed.
Ezenekwe’s congratulatory message has been described by many as more than a mere endorsement of Senator Azuta-Mbata’s election. It is seen as a rallying cry for Igbo people worldwide to strengthen their bonds, promote inclusivity, and work collectively toward the common good.
With the leadership of Senator Azuta-Mbata and the unwavering support of organizations like the ICA, the Igbo nation stands poised to embark on a new era of progress, unity, and global influence.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.
Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.
Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.
FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.
World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.
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