Ekiti Commissioner Backs Special Seats Bill, Seeks Greater Women Inclusion in Politics

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has backed the proposed Special Seats Bill, describing it as a necessary democratic reform to address the imbalance in women’s political representation in Nigeria.

Babafemi stated this during a public lecture organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti State chapter, in Ado-Ekiti.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, spoke on the theme: “Understanding the Special Seats Bill: Women’s Representation in Nigerian Politics, Current Statistics and Challenges.”

She described the theme as timely and thought-provoking, saying it called for urgent national reflection and action toward inclusive governance.

Babafemi commended NAWOJ for sustaining advocacy for women’s participation in leadership and nation-building, noting that the association had continued to amplify issues affecting women across different sectors.

She lamented the poor representation of women in governance and decision-making processes despite their contributions to the nation’s political, economic and social development.

According to her, women currently occupy between four and five per cent of elective positions in Nigeria, placing the country among those with the lowest female political representation in Africa.

The commissioner disclosed that the current National Assembly has only four female senators and 17 women in the House of Representatives, amounting to 21 women out of 469 federal lawmakers.

She added that the situation at the state level remained disturbing, as many states still had few or no female legislators.

Babafemi attributed the development to deep-rooted structural, financial, cultural and institutional barriers confronting women in politics.

She, however, said Ekiti had continued to distinguish itself in promoting gender inclusion and responsive governance under the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.

According to her, women currently occupy strategic positions in the state, including Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, commissioners, special advisers, Accountant-General and Auditor-General.

Babafemi also highlighted the presence of women as accounting officers, local government vice chairpersons and councillors, as well as members of the State House of Assembly leadership structure.

She further cited the appointment of an Ekiti indigene as ambassador to Japan and the elevation of Justice Olutoyin Abodunde to the Court of Appeal as evidence of women’s growing leadership roles.

The Commissioner maintained that women had continued to demonstrate excellence, integrity and transformational leadership whenever given opportunities to serve.

She explained that the Special Seats Bill seeks to create additional legislative seats reserved for women as a temporary but strategic measure to improve female representation in governance.

According to her, the initiative should not be viewed as favouritism but as a deliberate effort to deepen democracy, fairness and inclusiveness.

Babafemi said global evidence had shown that increased women participation in governance often resulted in more inclusive policies, improved social development outcomes and stronger advocacy for children and vulnerable groups.

She stressed that achieving meaningful representation for women required collective efforts from political parties, the media, civil society organisations and women themselves.

The commissioner urged political parties to create enabling environments for female aspirants, while encouraging women to prepare themselves and boldly occupy leadership spaces.

She expressed optimism that discussions and recommendations from the lecture would strengthen advocacy for inclusive governance in Nigeria.

“The future Nigerians desire should be one where competence is not hindered by gender and where every girl-child can aspire to leadership with confidence and hope,” she said.

Babafemi thereafter declared the lecture open.