The chief executive officer of Afropolitan Media Ltd, publishers of Zaamani Magazine, Hajia Aisha Umar-Halilu, has commended the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, for his “progressive and unprecedented” efforts in empowering women to have a strong voice in the state’s political arena.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Umar-Halilu—herself a politician and advocate for women’s empowerment—praised Governor Bago’s commitment to inclusivity, describing his recent actions as “a bold statement that women belong at the table where decisions are made.”
“What Governor Bago has done is not just symbolic; it is transformational,” Umar-Halilu said. “For the first time in our political history, all the deputy chairmanship positions across the 25 local government areas in Niger State are being held by women. This is a milestone that deserves recognition and emulation.”
Her comments followed the recent conclusion of the local government elections in Niger State, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured all elective positions.
She emphasised that, beyond the electoral victory, the governor’s decision to ensure women occupy key leadership roles sends a strong message of confidence and equality.
“When you empower women politically, you empower communities.
“Governor Bago has demonstrated through action that women are not just supporters of the political process, but capable leaders in their own right,” she stated.
Aisha Umar-Halilu, an award-winning media executive who has long been involved in advocacy for gender inclusion, urged other state governors and policymakers to follow Niger State’s example by creating opportunities for women to participate actively in governance and leadership.
“This is the kind of leadership our democracy needs,” she said. “We must move beyond tokenism and begin to entrust women with real responsibilities. Governor Bago has taken that bold step, and history will remember him for it.”
She further noted that the inclusion of women in decision-making roles will enhance grassroots development and ensure policies that reflect the needs of all segments of society.
“Women bring empathy, accountability, and balance to governance. I hope this becomes a catalyst for greater gender inclusion across Nigeria,” Umar-Halilu concluded.
