In a declaration marking the International Day of the Girl Child, Nigeria’s top leaders have reframed the narrative around the girl child, championing her innate potential and committing to a major political shift: the push for reserved seats for women in legislative assemblies.
Among the supporters of more women lawmakers in Nigeria are Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The pledge, which formed the core of the sixth edition of “The Osasu Show (TOS)” symposium, signalled a significant move towards translating the theme “Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow” into actionable policy.
The event at the National Assembly Library saw a consensus among Shettima, the Sultan and Kalu.
Kalu set the tone by challenging the common perception of the girl child.
Citing UNICEF statistics that about 189 million girls are householders globally, he declared, “the girl child embodies possibility rather than mere vulnerability.”
This sentiment became the rallying cry for the high-level discussions.
The most concrete proposal to emerge was the prioritisation of allocating reserved seats for women in both national and state assemblies. This, the leaders argued, is essential to ensure women’s voices are adequately represented in the decision-making processes that shape the country’s future.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his technical adviser, Hauwa Liman, underscored the administration’s recognition of the vital role women play in nation-building. He stressed that increased female representation in parliament is a crucial step towards fostering a stronger nation, noting his office already benefits from young women in strategic advisory roles.
Adding a historical and cultural weight to the discourse, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, reflected on the rich history of women’s involvement in politics and education in pre-colonial Nigeria. He urged a return to these values and reiterated his support for initiatives that positively impact women.
The collective emphasis from the presidency, traditional leadership, and the legislature marks a unified front in committing to girl-child-friendly policies, aiming to transform the perception of girls from a group to be protected to a powerhouse of national potential.
