The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Dr Abbas Tajudeen says a Parliament is only as strong as the voices it makes room for.
He said and no nation can claim true progress while women and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in governance.
Speaking during a forum today, he reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House of Representatives to building a more inclusive Nigeria, where women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) have greater opportunities to participate in shaping the decisions that define our collective future.
He reaffirmed this in an engagement with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pete Vowles, where he highlighted legislative efforts to introduce reserved seats for women and PLWDs in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
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Dr Tajudeen Abbas observed that he was particularly encouraged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has adopted the proposed bills for transmission to the National Assembly as executive bills.
He maintained that “Our ambition is bold: to advance an innovative framework that can significantly expand representation and strengthen inclusive governance”.
The Speaker also received Mr. Shin Koyamada, Hollywood actor and founder of Guardian Girls International, who briefed him on the launch of Guardian Girls Nigeria, an initiative dedicated to protecting women and girls from gender-based violence through self-defence, education and empowerment.
These engagements reinforce a fundamental truth: inclusion must go beyond promises; it must find expression in our laws, institutions and everyday lives.
Dr Tajudeen Abbas further said that as Speaker, he remain committed to a People’s House that listens, legislates and leads with purpose, opening more doors for those whose voices deserve to be heard and whose contributions are essential to building a stronger Nigeria.