{"id":22871,"date":"2026-04-15T18:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?post_type=events&#038;p=22871"},"modified":"2026-04-15T18:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:18:17","slug":"strategy-advocacy-meeting-on-advancing-womens-leadership","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/events\/strategy-advocacy-meeting-on-advancing-womens-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategy Advocacy Meeting on Advancing Women\u2019s Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On <strong>Monday, 13 April 2026<\/strong>, key stakeholders, civil society, political parties, the legal community, and development partners convened at the <strong>Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja<\/strong>, for the <strong>Strategy Advocacy Meeting on Advancing Women\u2019s Leadership: Strengthening Pathways to Inclusive Representation in 2027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The meeting served as a strategic platform to galvanize support for increased women\u2019s political participation in Nigeria, with a strong focus on the <strong>Special Seats Bill<\/strong> currently before the <strong>10th National Assembly<\/strong> as part of the ongoing Constitution Review process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22872\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22872\" class=\"wp-image-22872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22873\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22873\" class=\"wp-image-22873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD.jpg 1279w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The event was convened by the <strong>Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)<\/strong> in collaboration with the <strong>Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF)<\/strong> and the <strong>Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL)<\/strong>, with support from the <strong>European Union<\/strong> under the <strong>EU-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Clement Nwankwo \u2013 Executive Director, PLAC<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Delivering the welcome address, <strong>Clement Nwankwo<\/strong> highlighted the urgent need to address the low representation of women in Nigeria\u2019s political institutions. He described the current figures in both the National and State Assemblies as deeply concerning and emphasized that the <strong>Special Seats Bill<\/strong> is a critical legislative opportunity to advance inclusive governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22874\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22874\" class=\"wp-image-22874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22875\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22875\" class=\"wp-image-22875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ED1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PLAC<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Dr. Uju Agomoh \u2013 Chair, NBA-SPIDEL<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. <strong>Uju Agomoh<\/strong> emphasized the importance of confronting structural and cultural barriers that hinder women\u2019s participation in politics. She noted that the law must serve as a tool for advancing women\u2019s leadership and reaffirmed NBA-SPIDEL\u2019s commitment to developing a strategic framework for meaningful representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22877\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22877\" class=\"wp-image-22877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22876\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22876\" class=\"wp-image-22876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UJU2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Brenda Anugwom \u2013 CEO, Nigerian Women Trust Fund<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In her remarks, <strong>Brenda Anugwom<\/strong> highlighted the stark disparity between women\u2019s success in various professional fields and their limited presence in political decision-making spaces. She called for a shift from intention to implementation, urging stronger collaboration to ensure tangible outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22879\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22879\" class=\"wp-image-22879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22878\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22878\" class=\"wp-image-22878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BRENDA2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Goodwill Messages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Mazi Afam Osigwe \u2013 Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mazi <strong>Afam Osigwe<\/strong> stressed that women have consistently demonstrated their leadership capacity and should not be sidelined in governance. He noted that several NBA sections are successfully led by women, underscoring the need to translate inclusiveness from principle into practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22881\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22881\" class=\"wp-image-22881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22882\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22882\" class=\"wp-image-22882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NBA1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo \u2013 First Lady of Edo State<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mrs. <strong>Edesili Anani Okpebholo<\/strong> described it as unfair that women are often limited to roles as voters and supporters rather than decision-makers. She emphasized that the <strong>Special Seats Bill<\/strong> represents a transformative pathway toward equitable representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22884\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22884\" class=\"wp-image-22884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22885\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22885\" class=\"wp-image-22885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WIFE-OF-GOVERNOR-OF-EDO1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur \u2013 Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking on behalf of the <strong>College of Commissioners of Women Affairs in Nigeria<\/strong>, Hon. <strong>Caroline Panglang Dafur<\/strong> described the gathering as a testament to collective strategic efforts to increase women\u2019s representation and urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22887\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22887\" class=\"wp-image-22887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22886\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22886\" class=\"wp-image-22886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/222.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Laolu Olawunmi \u2013 Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law, European Union in Nigeria<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Laolu <strong>Olawunmi<\/strong> highlighted that discussions on women\u2019s political participation often focus on women themselves rather than the systemic barriers limiting their choices. She reaffirmed the <strong>European Union\u2019s<\/strong> commitment to gender equality through the <strong>Third Gender Action Plan<\/strong> and electoral support programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22889\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22889\" class=\"wp-image-22889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22888\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22888\" class=\"wp-image-22888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LAOLU-2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Hon. Kafilat Ogbara \u2013 Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Hon. <strong>Kafilat Ogbara<\/strong> delivered a presentation titled <strong>\u201cThe Special Seats Bill: Progress, Priorities and Next Steps.\u201d<\/strong> She emphasized that the bill is not merely about increasing the number of seats but about building a democracy that reflects all members of society. She also called for urgent political party reforms to reduce barriers ahead of the <strong>2027 general elections<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT--1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22891\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT-.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22891\" class=\"wp-image-22891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON.-KAFILAT-.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22890\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22890\" class=\"wp-image-22890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-KAFILAT-OGBARA.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbwefi \u2013 Member, House of Representatives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Hon. <strong>Gaza Jonathan Gbwefi<\/strong>, representing the <strong>Keffi\/Karu\/Kokona Federal Constituency<\/strong>, led a session on <strong>political risk and vote mapping<\/strong> for the Special Seats Bill. The discussion focused on identifying supportive, resistant, and undecided blocs within the National Assembly, as well as strategies to sustain legislative momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22894\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22894\" class=\"wp-image-22894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hon-Gaza.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22893\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22893\" class=\"wp-image-22893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"22892\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/?attachment_id=22892\" class=\"wp-image-22892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HON-GAZA2.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Panel Session: Positioning Women for Electoral Success in 2027<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A high-level panel session titled <strong>\u201cPositioning Women for Electoral Success in 2027\u201d<\/strong> was moderated by <strong>Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche<\/strong>, Vice President of the <strong>National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), North Central<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Panelists included:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Dr. Mary Alile Idele<\/strong> \u2013 National Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC)<\/li><li><strong>Dipo Olayoku<\/strong> \u2013 National Treasurer, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)<\/li><li><strong>Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko<\/strong> \u2013 Former Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly<\/li><li><strong>Prof. Paul Ananaba<\/strong> \u2013 Former Chair, NBA-SPIDEL<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The session explored strategies for enhancing women\u2019s electoral competitiveness, including political party reforms, capacity building, media engagement, and cross-party collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-0 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The event concluded with <strong>closing remarks and a vote of thanks<\/strong> delivered by <strong>Vaneza Gregory<\/strong>, Programme Manager at the <strong>Nigerian Women Trust Fund<\/strong>, who expressed appreciation to all participants and reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing women\u2019s leadership in Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Strategy Advocacy Meeting on Advancing Women\u2019s Leadership<\/strong> successfully brought together diverse stakeholders to strengthen advocacy for inclusive political representation. With the <strong>Special Seats Bill<\/strong> at the forefront of constitutional reform, the meeting reinforced the urgency of coordinated action, strategic partnerships, and sustained political will to ensure that women play a central role in Nigeria\u2019s democratic process ahead of the <strong>2027 general elections<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22872,"template":"","acf":[],"featured_img":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GROWD1.jpg","coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/author\/olumide-adebayo\/","display_name":"PLAC"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 day ago","modified":"Updated 1 day ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on April 15, 2026","modified":"Updated on April 15, 2026"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on April 15, 2026 6:18 pm","modified":"Updated on April 15, 2026 6:18 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","tax_additional":[],"series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events\/22871"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/events"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events\/22871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22895,"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events\/22871\/revisions\/22895"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/placng.org\/i\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}