Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has made a strong case for the deliberate integration of women into high-level governance across Africa.
He argued that the continent’s development is being severely slowed down by leaving half of its human capital on the sidelines.
The governor made the advocacy at the Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in The Gambia, according to a statement posted on the state government page on Thursday.
He served as the special guest for the formal presentation of a book, magazine, and documentary honouring the first female Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe.
Addressing an international audience of political and business leaders, Diri questioned whether Africa’s persistent developmental challenges stem from its historical failure to sufficiently involve women in critical decision-making spheres.
He emphasised that his support for female inclusion is rooted in practical administrative experience rather than mere sentiment.
Diri called on African leaders to discard archaic cultural practices that inhibit women from unleashing their leadership potential.
He highlighted that his administration in Bayelsa State has consciously expanded leadership opportunities for women and youth to ensure sustainable development.
Turning his attention to continental affairs, the governor condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
He warned that such targeted violence severely damages the historical foundation of Pan-African brotherhood established by the continent’s founding fathers, including the late independence leader of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.
Diri stressed that during periods of regional crisis, African nations must respond to one another with solidarity and pragmatic support rather than hostility.
The international event also served as a platform for bilateral cooperation, culminating in the signing of a formal sister-city agreement between the Banjul City Council and the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The pact was signed by Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe for Banjul and Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari for Yenagoa.
In appreciation of his consistent backing of women’s empowerment initiatives across the continent, Mayor Lowe presented Governor Diri with the ceremonial key to the City of Banjul alongside other honorary awards.
The gathering featured prominent dignitaries, including the former Vice President of The Gambia, Ousainou Darboe; the Mayor of Dakar, Adama Sarr; and the former Mayor of Leeds (UK), Mrs. Abigail Marshal-Katung, who delivered the keynote address praising Mayor Lowe’s local governance achievements.
