The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, in collaboration with UN Women and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, convened a one-day state-level HeForShe Advocacy Town Hall Meeting aimed at galvanizing support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
The event, held at the Nyako Centre, State Secretariat Complex in Yola North Local Government Area, brought together government officials, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders. Its objective was to build consensus and consolidate memoranda to be submitted to the Constitutional Reform Committee during the upcoming zonal public hearings.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Eliana Martins, Country Vice President and National President of FIDA Nigeria, welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of the gathering as part of The Advance Women’s Political Participation Project a nationwide initiative promoting women’s inclusion and representation in political and leadership processes.
“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a transformative piece of legislation designed to enhance gender equity by creating additional exclusive seats for women in the National and State Assemblies,” Martins stated. “This bill is a bold step toward bridging the gender gap in political representation, and we are here to build consensus and aggregate citizens’ inputs for submission to the constitutional review committee.” The proposed amendment seeks to establish one additional special seat for women per state and the Federal Capital Territory in both the Senate and the House of Representatives totaling 74 new seats at the federal level. At the state level, it proposes three additional seats for women per state in the Houses of Assembly, creating 108 new seats. This intervention is intended to last for 16 years (four election cycles), subject to review.
The initiative is being implemented in nine focal states, with Adamawa as the only state selected from the North-East. Mrs. Martins acknowledged the support of FOMWAN and commended the Adamawa State Government for its collaboration — particularly the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, the State Chief Judge, and other key stakeholders.
Hon. Neido Tanyishi Geoffrey Kofulto, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, applauded FIDA’s efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“The Fintiri-led administration is making deliberate policy efforts to promote gender equality and support the rights of women and children,” she said, commending both the Deputy Governor and the First Lady, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, for their consistent backing of women-focused initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Kate Mamuno Raymond, Majority Leader and representative of Demsa Constituency, noted:
“This is not just a women’s issue it’s a national issue. We must remain united and sustain advocacy efforts to ensure the passage of the bill.”
Barrister Jamila Babuba, Chairperson of FIDA Adamawa, described the event as a milestone, saying:
Advertisement
“Adamawa is the only focal state in the North-East, and that in itself is a testament to our leadership in promoting women’s participation in governance.”
She cited progress in appointive positions including female vice-chairpersons in local governments, the election of a female Deputy Governor, and other strategic roles as evidence of growing female political inclusion.
Ifeanyi Eze, FIDA Nigeria’s Senior Program Officer and project lead in Adamawa State, reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring that women’s voices especially from grassroots communities are reflected in the constitutional reform process.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for all stakeholders to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, recognizing it as a pivotal opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape toward greater equity and inclusive governance.
