Chief Lami Ogenyi, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers in Nigeria, has emphatically reiterated the urgent necessity for the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. This pivotal legislation, currently awaiting deliberation, aims to fundamentally transform the landscape of Nigerian politics by addressing long-standing gender imbalances and fostering greater inclusivity.

Addressing fellow Deputy Speakers at a meeting where reports on Constitution Review and the ECOWAS Parliament's 25th-anniversary celebration were presented, Chief Ogenyi underscored that the bill is far more than mere legislation. She passionately described it as a "national imperative," a vital "rallying point for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building." The core objective is to ensure that women are fully integrated into the political sphere, enabling their active participation in all electoral processes and according them the equal opportunity they deserve to serve their country.

Ogenyi further commended Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, for his exceptional leadership and singular dedication in anchoring and championing the cause of women in Nigerian politics. She highlighted Kalu's initiative in spearheading this bill for special seats, acknowledging its encouraging impact on women aspiring to political roles. "We need more women in politics," she stated, linking the bill directly to the broader advocacy for the implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women.

The Benue lawmaker, representing Ado State Constituency, articulated the prevailing challenges faced by women in politics. She observed that many women, despite their willingness and ambition, are deterred by a palpable fear of oppression from men who often deny them the space to vie for elective positions. Passing and implementing the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Ogenyi argued, would dismantle these barriers, empower aspiring female politicians, and bring Nigeria significantly closer to international standards on gender inclusion, thereby reflecting and strengthening its democratic values on the global stage.