BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, NOVEMBER 26, 2025 | 10:38 PM

The office of the APC national woman leader has launched a North-East sensitization program in Borno.

The program focuses on advocating for the passage of the reserved seats for women bill, HB 1349.

It was held under the theme ‘North East Rising: Advocating for Our Constitutional Space in Leadership.’

The program took place on Wednesday at the Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri.

The event addressed the problem of limited political representation for women and emphasized the need for a constitutionally protected political space.

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno, represented by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, described the bill as a transformative step capable of rewriting Nigeria’s political participation history.

He said women in the North-East have played central roles in rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and stressed that political inclusion should reflect their contributions.

‘It is only just and progressive that we now advocate for a constitutionally guaranteed space for women in legislative leadership,’ Gov. Zulum said.

He urged lawmakers nationwide to support the bill as a pathway to fairness, justice, and a more inclusive Nigeria.

He added that Borno State is committed to women’s empowerment through appointments, economic support, and improved access to girls’ education but noted that structural barriers would remain without constitutional reform.

The sensitization program brought together political leaders, women advocates, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across the North-East to push for greater women’s representation.

Associate Professor Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, wife of the governor, commended Dr. Mary Alile Idele, APC national women leader, for championing nationwide advocacy for the bill.

She acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for advancing women’s empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She said the reserved seats bill seeks fairness and equity, not privilege.

Dr. Mary Alile Idele urged women in the region to stay united and boldly assert their constitutional rights, calling the moment defining for gender inclusion in the country.

Hon. Halima Hayatu, North-East coordinator for advocacy on constitutional space in leadership, appealed to state and national lawmakers for the swift passage of the bill.

She said the bill is important in addressing longstanding gaps in political representation.

Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, commissioner for women affairs and social development, praised Governor Zulum for his unwavering support for women’s empowerment.

She recognized Hon. Halima Hayatu for her tireless advocacy across the six states of the region.

She also highlighted the wide-reaching impact of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

‘This is a very encouraging moment, and it has started in a very encouraging way,’ Zuwaira Gambo said.

‘As His Excellency earlier stated, Borno State is already one step ahead of this initiative because, as it stands, every local government will be represented by an elected woman, which has never happened in the history of the state.’

‘The reserved seat for women could not have come at a better time.’

‘We all know that the majority of voters on election day are women.’

‘They are the ones who stand under the sun and rain to cast their votes, no matter the situation.’

‘It is time to support women since they have decided to come together so that this dream can be actualized.’

The program ended with a united commitment from the North-East to champion HB 1349 and advance gender-inclusive governance nationwide.