The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), has called for increased participation of women in governance across all levels in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the first female Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Grace Ike, along with members of her executive team, Salam emphasized the need for Nigeria to follow the example of other African countries with stronger gender inclusion policies.
He cited Rwanda, where 60% of parliamentarians are women, and Kenya, which boasts about 50% female representation in its parliament. Salam highlighted that these achievements were made possible through deliberate efforts, including constitutional reforms and party policies aimed at increasing women’s involvement in governance.
“Merit and capacity to deliver are not exclusive to any particular gender,” Salam stated, stressing that more deliberate measures are needed to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s leadership landscape.
The lawmaker commended journalists in the FCT for electing a female chairman and urged them to continue upholding the core values of the journalism profession. He also lauded the “Grace Team” for running an issue-based campaign that prioritized professionalism and inclusivity.
Responding, the Chairman of the FCT NUJ Council, Grace Ike, reiterated her commitment to fostering a strong relationship between the media and the legislature. She described the visit as part of the council’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Public Accounts Committee to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
She emphasized the essential role of the media in a functional democracy, noting that the NUJ is dedicated to holding those in power accountable for their actions. “We believe that a strong and independent media is essential to a functioning democracy, and we are committed to playing our part in promoting good governance,” Ike said.
In addition, she pledged the NUJ’s support for the committee’s efforts to ensure judicious use of public funds, adding that transparency and accountability remain key priorities for the council.
Rep. Salam also assured members of the House of Representatives Press Corps of his commitment to their welfare, urging them to maintain strong ties with the NUJ. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession while committing to improving their welfare and capacity development.
