By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO: Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to advancing women’s participation in governance, declaring that gender inclusion must become a national priority if Nigeria’s democracy is to achieve its full potential.

Akpabio made the pledge during the maiden Democracy Day Lecture and Book Presentation held at Sokoto State University in honour of the late Hajiya Surraya Abubakar Margai, widely celebrated as the first and only woman elected into public office in Sokoto State since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Represented through a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Francis Akubueze, the Senate President described the event as timely and significant, stressing that Margai’s legacy highlights the urgent need to expand opportunities for women in leadership and political decision making.

According to him, strengthening women’s participation in the electoral process is essential to building a more inclusive and representative democracy.

The event brought together academics, policymakers, civil society leaders and development advocates who collectively called for reforms aimed at addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics.

Speaking at the forum, Aisha Adamu Augie, Director General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, said Nigeria’s democratic growth would remain incomplete without deliberate efforts to ensure gender balance in governance.

She described women as critical drivers of national development and urged political leaders and stakeholders to create more opportunities for women to occupy leadership positions.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Local Beats, Global Standards: Nigeria’s Gender Inclusion and Development Implications,” Aisha Balarabe Bawa called on the National Assembly to revisit pending gender related constitutional amendments and electoral reforms.

The university don argued that inclusive governance remains fundamental to national cohesion, democratic legitimacy and sustainable development.

She noted that the commemoration of June 12 should go beyond celebration and inspire concrete action towards dismantling barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in politics.

According to her, a democratic system that gives women equal access to leadership positions is better positioned to deliver broad-based development and strengthen public trust in institutions.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University, M. B. Yerima, said women had consistently demonstrated competence in public service, administration and politics, stressing that the era of restricting women to traditional domestic roles had long passed.

He urged political parties and government institutions at all levels to provide greater opportunities for women to contribute to governance and nation-building.

The event, organized by Sokoto State University in collaboration with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, the Effective Governance Research Institute and the Productive Community for Sustainable Development Initiative, also featured the unveiling of a book on the life and legacy of Hajiya Surraya Abubakar Margai.

The book was authored by Odeh Godwin Onuh and seeks to document Margai’s pioneering role in advancing women’s political participation in Sokoto State.

Executive Director of the Productive Community for Sustainable Development Initiative, Nura Bello, said the initiative was designed to provide a platform for scholars, government officials, civil society organisations and community leaders to explore pathways for achieving equitable representation in governance.

The occasion also recognised distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to social development and empowerment.

Among those honoured was Senate Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro for his efforts in promoting women and youth empowerment.

Participants at the event unanimously stressed that strengthening women’s representation in politics remains critical to deepening democratic governance and accelerating national development across Nigeria.