In a bold move to promote gender inclusion in governance, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has declared that all vice-chairmanship positions in the state’s 25 local government areas will be reserved for women.
The announcement was made ahead of the upcoming local government elections and underscores the administration’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.
Governor Bago, through his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, stated that the decision reflects his administration’s dedication to breaking barriers for women and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes.
“Women are crucial to the country’s growth and development, and when given the opportunity, they can drive meaningful progress and transformation,” Bago said. He emphasized that the move is not merely about fulfilling a quota but recognizing the strength, resilience, and intelligence of women.
The governor also called on stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to support the initiative, aligning it with best practices for inclusive governance and sustainable development. “Empowering women at the local government level is essential for sustainable development across the state and the country,” he added.
This announcement builds on Bago’s earlier promise during his 2023 inaugural speech, where he pledged to ensure that all vice-chairmen and secretary positions in the state’s local governments would be occupied by women.
The decision has been widely applauded as a significant step toward addressing the historical marginalization of women in governance, despite their substantial contributions to society.
“This is not just about fulfilling a quota; it is about recognizing the strength, resilience, and intelligence of our women,” Bago reiterated.