In a major step toward promoting gender equality and inclusive development, top government officials and influential leaders have reaffirmed their dedication to policies that empower and include the girl child across all sectors of society.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, this declaration was made at the 6th edition of The Osasu Show (TOS) Symposium held at the National Assembly Library, Abuja. The event, themed “Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow: Advancing Women Representation Through Policy,” brought together prominent figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, Hauwa Liman; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’adu Abubakar; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

The leaders collectively stressed the need to create an enabling environment where girls can excel and achieve their full potential, regardless of existing social or economic limitations. They highlighted the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment as key tools for national progress.

Discussions also focused on the proposal to reserve legislative seats for women at both the national and state levels—a policy aimed at strengthening women’s participation and influence in decision-making processes.

Vice President Shettima, through his representative, underscored the administration’s commitment to increasing female representation in parliament, noting that empowering women in leadership is vital to building a stronger and more inclusive nation.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’adu Abubakar, called for a renewed embrace of Nigeria’s historical values, noting that women in pre-colonial times played active roles in politics and education. He urged a collective national effort to promote girl child education and to foster pride in Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, describing women’s empowerment as central to the nation’s future success.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu cited UNICEF data showing that about 189 million girls are household heads globally, asserting that the girl child should be seen as a symbol of possibility, not vulnerability.

Convener of the TOS Symposium, Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, emphasised the need to bridge the gap between public officials and citizens while amplifying the voices of marginalised groups. She lamented Nigeria’s ranking—184th globally and the lowest in Africa—in women’s parliamentary representation, describing the situation as a major barrier to democratic inclusivity.

She further advocated for the introduction of reserved seats for women in parliament, explaining that such a policy would close the democratic gap, enhance justice and representation, and unlock the country’s full potential. “When women are at the table, nations benefit; when girls are empowered, societies thrive,” she concluded.