In a significant move towards gender equality and women empowerment, the Niger State House of Assembly has elected Afiniki Dauda, the only female member representing Gurara Constituency, as the Deputy Speaker of the House. This decision has been hailed by Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, who sees it as a testament to his administration’s commitment to actively involve women in governance.
Governor Bago expressed his commendation during a thanksgiving service held in honor of the newly elected Deputy Speaker. The Governor, represented by the Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, emphasized his determination to ensure that women in the state hold prominent roles in his administration. “I will be running an all-inclusive government that will give women their rightful place as good managers of resources. This singular decision by the male-dominated assembly is in line with my administration’s vision for women in the state,” the Governor affirmed.
The Governor went on to describe Deputy Speaker Afiniki Dauda as a woman of courage, recognizing her upbringing and Christian background as contributing factors to her successful political journey. Notably, Dauda has become the first female Deputy Speaker in Niger State’s history.
Reacting to her new position, Dauda humbly stated that she had not lobbied or struggled for the position, but instead, she believes divine intervention led to her selection. “My election as the Deputy Speaker and the first female to occupy such a position in the state House of Assembly was an act of God; my service to God brought me this far in politics. I assure women in the state that I will represent them. I am also calling on the Christians in the state to continue to pray for the success of the administration,” she said.
The ceremony was also graced by Reverend Pastor Koce Istifanus of ECWA Good News Dikko, who delivered a sermon urging the administration to create an inclusive government that caters to people of all tribes and religions, building a new Niger State where everyone has equal opportunities for growth and development.
This historic appointment sets a positive precedent and serves as a beacon of hope for women in Niger State. With Deputy Speaker Dauda’s leadership, it is expected that the voices and perspectives of women will be amplified, contributing to a more balanced and progressive legislative agenda. Governor Bago’s commitment to women’s inclusion in governance is commendable and paves the way for further advancements in gender equality in Nigeria.
