Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has pledged that all vice-chairmanship positions in the upcoming local government elections will be filled by women, as part of his administration’s commitment to enhancing women’s roles in governance and addressing their historical marginalization.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has affirmed his commitment to appoint women to all vice-chairmanship positions in the upcoming local government elections. He announced this initiative on Thursday in Minna, emphasizing that it reflects his administration’s dedication to enhancing women’s involvement in governance.
Addressing historical marginalization, Bago acknowledged women’s vital contributions to societal development. He stated, “Women are crucial to the country’s growth and development, and when given the opportunity, they can drive meaningful progress and transformation.” This initiative is deemed essential for achieving sustainable development at both state and national levels.
Bago articulated his belief that this measure transcends mere quota fulfillment, highlighting the inherent strength, resilience, and intelligence of women. He reiterated his administration’s goal to dismantle barriers hindering women’s leadership, ensuring they occupy significant roles in decision-making processes.
He urged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rally behind this program, associating it with best practices for inclusive governance and sustainable development. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that this initiative aligns with statements made by Bago during his 2023 inaugural speech, in which he pledged that all vice-chairmen and secretary roles in the state’s 25 local government areas would also be held by women.
Governor Umaru Bago’s announcement to fill all vice-chairmanship positions in Niger’s forthcoming local government elections with women signifies a pivotal step toward gender inclusivity in governance. By recognizing women’s capabilities and addressing their historical marginalization, this initiative aims to empower women and foster sustainable development, aligning with broader goals of inclusive governance. The support from APC stakeholders will be crucial for the success of this initiative.
Original Source: nannews.ng
