By Joy Umo
Wives of state governors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) have renewed advocacy for the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill as part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in governance.
The forum made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its one-day retreat held in Calabar, Cross River State. The statement, read by the Chairperson of the Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, emphasised the need for deliberate inclusivity in the nation’s political structure to enhance gender representation.
According to the communiqué, the Forum unanimously supported the legislation, affirming that reserved seats in elective offices would help address the systemic barriers limiting women’s involvement in governance and political leadership.
The spouses of governors also pledged to intensify advocacy for the implementation of a six-month fully paid maternity leave across all States, stressing its importance in boosting maternal and child health.
The communiqué further noted that the Forum would sustain partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, donor groups and community leaders to curb maternal mortality and improve child health nationwide.
On health, the First Ladies underscored the need to strengthen routine immunisation, with special attention to HPV vaccines, Measles and Rubella immunisation, and Hepatitis screening. They reaffirmed commitment to support health institutions and stakeholders to ensure improved healthcare outcomes for women and children.
In addition, the forum resolved to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and other relevant bodies to combat child labour across the country.
The Calabar retreat, now in its fifth edition, recorded participation of 22 First Ladies as well as the representative of the Benue State First Lady’s Office.