Lawmaker canvasses support for women in leadership position

By Iyojo Ameh

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP,Osun) has advocated for more women participation in governance at all levels in the country.

Speaking when the first female Chairman of the FCT Council, Grace Ike led other members of her Executive on a courtesy visit, Salam said Nigeria need to do better in the area of women inclusivity, taking a cue from other African countries.

Salam made reference to countries like Rwanda with 60 percent of members of parliament being women and Kenya with about 50 percent women in Parliament.

He said these countries made deliberate efforts, including constitutional provisions and deliberately party policies that ensure women inclusion.

He said further that merit and capacity to deliver is not an exclusive right of a particular gender, while assuring the NUJ of his support and collaboration in areas of welfare and capacity building for members of the Union.

He commended journalists in the FCT for the choice of a female chairman, while urging them to continue to promote the core values of the profession.

He also commended the Grace Team for engaging in issue based campaign.

Chairman of Council, Grace Ike said her leadership of the council is committed to strengthening the relationship between the media and the legislature, adding that the visit is a testament to the commitment and our desire of the council to collaborate with the Public Accounts committee in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

She said the NUJ recognize the critical role that the House Public Accounts Committee plays in ensuring that public funds are utilized judiciously while journalists are committed to holding those in power accountable for their actions.

She pledged the support of the NUJ FCT Council to ensure that the efforts of the public accounts committee in promoting transparency and accountability, saying “we believe that a strong and independent media is essential to a functioning democracy, and we are committed to playing our part in promoting good governance”.

At the House of Representatives Press Corps, the Chairman expressed appreciation for the support and assured that his leadership will pay attention to the welfare of members, while urging them not to turn their back on the Union.