***Calls for Action on Gender Inclusivity, Cites Rwanda and Kenya as Models
By Comfort Olayinka
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), has called for greater participation of women in leadership positions across all levels of governance in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the first female Chairman of the FCT Council, Grace Ike, and her executive team, Salam emphasized the need for Nigeria to improve in terms of gender inclusivity, drawing inspiration from African nations like Rwanda and Kenya.
Rwanda, Salam noted, has 60% of its parliament occupied by women, while Kenya’s parliament is nearly 50% female. He pointed out that these countries have implemented constitutional provisions and party policies specifically designed to ensure women’s representation.
“Merit and the ability to deliver should not be confined to any particular gender,” Salam said, stressing that both men and women should have equal opportunities to contribute to governance.
In a show of support for the media, Salam also pledged to collaborate with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in fostering welfare and capacity building for its members.
He commended journalists in the FCT for electing a female chairperson and encouraged them to uphold the core values of the profession.
Grace Ike, the NUJ FCT Council Chair, reiterated her leadership’s commitment to strengthening media-legislature relations and supporting the Public Accounts Committee in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
She expressed the Council’s support for the Committee’s efforts to ensure public funds are used responsibly.
The visit also highlighted the critical role of the media in holding public officials accountable, with Ike affirming that a strong, independent media is vital for the success of democracy.
Salam concluded by thanking the House of Representatives Press Corps for their support and reiterating his commitment to their welfare, urging them to remain dedicated to the Union’s cause.
