The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, hosted members of the National Assembly to a special dinner at the State House Banquet Hall.
The event featured an interactive session centred on addressing national challenges and exploring solutions to strengthen governance.
Mrs Tinubu used the platform to appeal for the passage of the Gender Parity Bill, also known as the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which is currently before lawmakers.
She also called for deeper collaboration between the presidency and the legislature to drive national development.
Acknowledging the security concerns across the country, the First Lady commended the commitment of national leaders to democratic values and the progress of the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Also present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma was also among the dignitaries.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the gathering provided an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on the country’s democratic trajectory and the pivotal role of women in politics.
The First Lady emphasised that the Gender Parity Bill represented a historic chance for Nigeria to strengthen its democracy and accelerate development.
“I have watched with keenness in recent months as various interest groups across our beloved nation, and even international bodies, have gathered momentum in support of this particular bill.
“Is it indeed possible for this bill to scale through? Yes, if not today, someday.
”If we do this now, the 10th Assembly will go down in the history of our legislature as the set that stood for women when it counted the most,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu urged federal lawmakers to seize the opportunity to “take care of our girls and boys.”
She noted that current challenges affecting children—particularly the girl-child and boys in the Almajiri system—highlight the need for inclusive reforms.
“In the past few days, our nation has faced a lot of assault, especially as it concerns the future of the education of the girl-child.
”The boys, on the other hand, through the Almajiri system, are deprived of basic necessities.
“This deprivation opens them up to being lured into the wrong hands. This is why we must prioritise reforms that restore dignity and provide safe learning environments,” she said.
The First Lady added that affirmative measures had delivered improved governance outcomes around the world and urged Nigeria not to fall behind.
“Across the world, countries that have adopted varying forms of affirmative measures have seen improvements in the quality of governance, the inclusiveness of public policies, and the stability of their political systems.
“Nigeria can, and should also benefit from such progressive ideologies.
“I trust in your collective wisdom, your experience, and your patriotism to steer the nation towards a solution that is constitutionally sound and politically workable.
”Everyone, either male or female, should be given the opportunity to contribute to our shared humanity,” she said.
In his remarks, Akpabio praised the First Lady for what he described as an unprecedented initiative.
He said both chambers of the National Assembly were dedicated to supporting President Bola Tinubu in stabilising the country and fostering inclusive governance.
“We are determined in the National Assembly to support President Tinubu to overcome the current enemy action in Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio revealed that he had written earlier in the day to two U.S. congressmen to correct what he termed “a false narrative” about religious persecution in Nigeria.
He also announced that the Senate had resolved to classify kidnapping as a terrorist offence punishable by the death penalty, with no option of fine or judicial discretion.
Regarding the Gender Parity Bill, the Senate President pledged support, saying, “we will not want you to invite us only when women have a particular interest.”
Abbas, in his contribution, commended the First Lady’s commitment to national welfare.
He said her advocacy had continued to advance peace, security and visibility for women across the country.
He added that, for the first time in Nigeria’s legislative history, the House had devoted an entire week of plenary sittings to national security matters.
He said lawmakers strongly supported President Tinubu’s security reforms.
On the Gender Parity Bill, Abbas stated, “women constitute almost half of our population but remain severely underrepresented in parliament.”
”This weakens our democracy and undermines national security.
“If this bill succeeds, Nigeria will take a significant step toward inclusion, justice and national stability,” Abbas added.
