The Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has called on the 10th National Assembly to pass the bill proposing reserved seats for women.
Speaking at the launch of the Ene Obi Centre for Development (ECD) at the National Assembly, Abuja, Igbuzor said development cannot thrive when women, youth and communities remain silent or excluded. He warned that such silence reinforces injustice and deepens underdevelopment.
Igbuzor urged government to protect civic freedoms and called on civil society, women and youth to speak up, participate actively and drive national development. Founder of the center, Ene Obi, said the organization was created to promote equity, strengthen communities and support marginalized groups through impactful programmes.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Jumai Udonije, said the center’s work in skills development and support services aligns with national efforts to empower women and girls. She pledged the ministry’s collaboration. Country Representative of Action Aid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the organization looks forward to partnering with the center, noting that Action Aid aims to help lift five million Nigerians out of poverty in the coming years.
