Gender Sensitive Leaders
In a trans-formative initiative, Niger State Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago has declared that all vice-chairman roles in the state’s 25 local governments will be designated for women in the forthcoming local elections. This significant advancement aims to foster gender equality and representative governance and is expected to have profound effects on both Niger State and Nigeria overall.
Governor Bago, a long-time advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, emphasized that this decision acknowledges the crucial contributions women can make in society and provides them with chances for leadership and decision-making. “For too long, women have been marginalized and excluded from positions of power, despite their immense abilities and potential,” he remarked. “We must now recognize their strength, resilience, and intelligence, and grant them the opportunities they need to drive progress and innovation.”
He highlighted that promoting women in local governance transcends mere justice; it is a vital strategy for achieving sustainable development in the state and the nation. “Incorporating women into governance introduces fresh viewpoints, collaboration, and creativity essential for development,” he stated. “This initiative is aimed not simply at fulfilling quotas but at acknowledging the critical influence women have had on national progress and development.” According to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, Governor Bago reiterated his administration’s dedication to removing barriers preventing women from assuming leadership roles, thereby enabling them to fulfill their rightful responsibilities in decision-making.
The Governor has urged all stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Niger State to back this initiative, recognizing the necessity of inclusivity in the upcoming local elections. This move is part of Governor Bago’s broader vision to advocate for gender balance and improve women’s representation in governance at all levels. By making this bold choice, Niger State is setting a precedent and forging a path toward a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
