Lawmaker backs Gender Composition Bill
A proposed law to guarantee at least 35 per cent gender representation in appointive positions in Ogun State has received a major boost, following endorsement of Majority Leader of the
A proposed law to guarantee at least 35 per cent gender representation in appointive positions in Ogun State has received a major boost, following endorsement of Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Yusuf Sheriff Abiodun.
The lawmaker gave his backing at an advocacy visit by AdvoKC Foundation, a youth-led civic technology and accountability organisation, as part of its Strengthening Women and Youth Political Power project.
The engagement centred on the 35 per cent Gender Composition Bill, which seeks to enshrine into law a minimum quota for gender representation in appointive offices.
Leading the delegation were foundation’s Project Director and Acting Executive Director, Habib Sheidu; Programme Manager and Head of Ogun State Cluster, Onyinye Edyson; and Head of Programmes and Partnerships, Dare Olatunde. Also present was Abayomi Oke, founder and provost of SKATA and chief executive of Novent Concept.
At the session, the team outlined rationale for the bill, noting it would provide a legal backbone to the Executive Order signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on April 4, 2022, which set a 35 per cent benchmark for women’s participation in governance.
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They argued that while the Executive Order marked significant progress, it is subject to the discretion of future administrations. In contrast, legislation would create a binding and enforceable framework to sustain gender inclusion and ensure accountability.
Abiodun described the legislation as “timely and necessary,” signalling readiness to champion its passage.
He highlighted his dual roles as chairman of Bills in the House and Chairman of Majority Leaders in Southwest as strategic to drive the process.
He pledged to support introduction and progression of the bill in the Assembly, raising hopes for its passage.
Speaking after the meeting, Sheidu said the engagement is a significant step to institutionalise gender equity in the state’s governance structure.
He said: “This meeting represents a step forward in our efforts to institutionalise gender equity in Ogun State’s governance framework.
“An Executive Order is a powerful statement of intent, but a law is a guarantee. We are encouraged by the Majority leader’s receptiveness and look forward to working with him to ensure the 35 per cent Gender Composition Bill becomes a lasting legacy for the people of Ogun State.”
Observers say the lawmaker’s endorsement signals growing legislative support for gender-inclusive governance and could accelerate momentum toward the bill’s passage.
