Deputy Speaker Assures Nigerians of Passage of Gender lnclusion Bills

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has assured Nigerians of speedy consideration of bills on women and youth inclusion in the 10th Assembly.

Kalu gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of the 40th anniversary celebration of NEWS Engineering Ltd in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the gender bills, rejected by the 9th Assembly would be reconsidered, expressing hope that the Executive would also give support since its key members were products of parliament.

Some of the bills include bill seeking specific seats for women in the Federal and State Legislative Houses and a bill to provide 35 per cent affirmative action for women in political party administration.

Others are bill to expand the scope of citizenship by registration, to extend citizenship to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, a bill on state indigeneship rights for women and a bill for reserved quota for women in Executive cabinet positions.

Kalu said that the power of women should not be underestimated as any opportunity given to them was multiplied.

The deputy speaker commended the Managing Director of NEWS Engineering Ltd. Mrs Josephine Nweze for sustaining the company after her husband’s demise.

He urged women to emulate the MD by building their capacity and ensure not to disappoint the expectation when given opportunity to serve.

“To the women out there I will say build your capacity, be rightly positioned.

“And when you are given this opportunity and responsibility, do not disappoint those who have a basket full of expectation for that office,” he said.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said that the company played a pivotal role in shaping the media and engineering landscape of the nation.

Mahmoud who was represented by Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, said that the company had been a beacon of excellence.

Mahmoud said that the company had enables progress and development in various sector in the FCT.

“As we reflect on its 40th anniversary, we must reflect on those behind the company, the dedicated employees, the visionary leadership and the unwavering community support have sharpened the legacy of the company.

“The future is bright and I have no doubt that this fast growing company will become a force to reckon in years to come.

“I encourage you to keep pushing boundaries, seek new frontiers and keep embracing technology as you have done in the past four decades,” she said.

Lady Nweze In her remarks, said that in the past four decades, the company had weathered challenges, embrace innovation, and built a strong foundation for success.

NAN/Victoria Ibanga/Lateefah Ibrahim