Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, have called for the full integration of women into mainstream politics rather than limiting their participation to reserved seats in the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, both leaders made their positions known at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Prof. Odu described the conference as timely and strategic, noting that it created an important platform for dialogue, empowerment and capacity building for women across the Niger Delta.
She stressed that women played vital roles in sustainable development, peacebuilding, economic advancement and environmental protection within their communities.She also commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for promoting policies aimed at strengthening women’s inclusion in various sectors. Odu emphasised the need to safeguard women’s rights while expanding opportunities for their advancement in leadership, governance and entrepreneurship.
The deputy governor further applauded former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, for her guidance and experience, describing her contributions at the event as insightful and valuable for shaping future strategies. Diri, on his part, urged women in the region to assert their right to full political participation, insisting that they should not accept second-class status.
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While acknowledging that some stakeholders supported the creation of special legislative seats for women as a temporary measure, he argued that such arrangements should not replace broader structural reforms that ensured equal participation. He maintained that women possessed the competence and capacity to thrive in politics and other professions without special concessions, citing examples of women excelling globally as parliamentarians, governors and presidents.
According to him, Nigeria’s political structure required reform to eliminate barriers limiting women’s advancement.Diri highlighted his administration’s efforts to increase female representation in Bayelsa’s executive council and House of Assembly, though he noted that electoral outcomes had not always reflected those intentions. He encouraged women to remain united and proactive in pursuing leadership roles.
Earlier, PANDEF National Women Leader, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, emphasised the importance of education, skills development and exposure as prerequisites for effective political engagement. She urged women to participate actively and contribute meaningfully to the region’s growth, particularly in areas of infrastructure, environmental sustainability and governance. The conference drew prominent figures, including Dr Patience Jonathan, PANDEF National Chairman Dr Boladei Igali, and representatives of various women’s groups from across the Niger Delta.
