First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Seeks Lawmakers’ Support for Reserved Seats for Women Bill

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Seeks Lawmakers’ Support for Reserved Seats for Women Bill

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged members of the National Assembly to back the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria’s children, national security, and sustainable development depend heavily on women’s representation in governance.

Speaking at a dinner held in honour of lawmakers, Senator Tinubu expressed deep concern over recent developments affecting the education and well-being of Nigerian children. She described the threats facing the girl child as a national assault, while also highlighting the vulnerability of young boys subjected to deprivation under the Almajiri system.

“In the past few days, our nation has faced a lot of assault, especially concerning the future of the education of the girl child,” she said. “The boys, on the other hand, through the Almajiri system, are deprived of food, clothing and shelter under the guise of noble Islamic education. This makes them susceptible to exploitation and extremist recruitment. We must prioritize reforms that restore dignity, provide safe learning environments, and ensure every child has a fair chance to thrive.”

The First Lady stressed that the gathering was not a social event but a moment for thoughtful engagement on national priorities. She noted the growing momentum around the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, both locally and internationally, adding that passing it would mark a historic milestone for the 10th National Assembly.

“If we do this now, the 10th Assembly will go down in history as the legislature that stood for women when it mattered most,” she said. “Tonight is not for long speeches. It is a moment for dialogue and reflection — to listen to one another with open minds and consider the next chapter of our democracy.”

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, a former lawmaker, lent his support to the bill, noting that increased women representation would help Nigeria legislate more effectively on critical national issues, particularly security.
“Democracy thrives where there is understanding,” he said. “The heart of a mother cannot be wrong.”

Other speakers at the event underscored the important role of women in addressing security challenges, given their direct exposure to its consequences.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, cautioned against misinterpreting the gathering, saying the nation had endured trauma but continued to emerge stronger.
“As a Senate, we insist kidnappers must face the death penalty. We are united with the Executive to rid this country of insecurity,” he stated.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, also emphasized that women are vital to national stability. According to him, greater inclusion at the National Assembly would deepen justice, empathy and effective policy-making.
“Empathy, inclusion and partnership should be the focus of the fight against insecurity, and that is the essence of this dinner,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, all echoed the view that legislation must evolve to meet the realities of the times.

The special dinner, hosted by the First Lady, aimed to galvanize support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other related national issues.