Organisation advocates increased representation of women, PWDs in governance

By Muhammad Lawal

The Women Rights Initiative (WORI), an NGO has advocated for increased representation of women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance.

Its Executive Director, Dr Laiatu Bamaiyi, made the appeal in her Sallah message to Muslim faithful, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

She appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, to appoint more women and PWDs in their administration to give them a sense of belonging.

She quoted a World Bank Report which indicates that women accounted for 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population but had remained underrepresented in the political space.

“As we celebrate this festival, let’s have it in mind that we need more women and persons with disability in governance.

“We are, therefore, calling on President Tinubu and Gov. Idris to appoint women and PWDs as ministers, commissioners, and director general of agencies and parastatals.

“There cannot be meaningful development without an inclusive government that recognised the contributions of women, youths and PWDs.

“The society will benefit immensely if more women and PWDs are given the opportunity to serve in different capacities in various government ministries, departments and agencies,” she said.

Bamaiyi pointed out that women and PWDs have a lot to offer to the society, adding that occupying leadership positions would give them a voice in the decision-making process.

She expressed confidence that President Tinubu and Gov. Idris would heed to the call, considering the confidence women and other vulnerable groups have on their leadership and commitment to make a difference.

“No human being is created perfect. We all have one form of disability or the other.

“If you are not physically challenged, you could have hypertension, diabetes, ulcer or any other form of ailment that makes you vulnerable,” she said.

She called on Nigerians to pray for divine protection and direction for leaders to govern well.

She specifically called on women to fervently pray for President Tinubu and Gov. Idris to enable them to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

(NAN)