A female interest group, Northern Nigeria Ladies Network, NNLN, has called on state House of Assemblies to recognise and give women prominent roles in their legislation.
The women group also lauded the exemplary leadership style of the Kogi State Speaker, Rt. Hon Umar Ahmed Imam and presented a portrait of himself to him.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Speaker at his resident in Lokoja, Kogi State Coordinator of the group, Hajiya Ramatu Muhammed, urged the speaker and other legislators to recognised the important role of women in modern day democracy and their efforts to move the society forward.
Hajiya Muhammed who eulogised the Speaker’s leadership style, said the group deemed the speaker worthy of their award in view of his humane character and value that he has brought to bear since his emergence as the head of the Kogi State legislature.
According to her, “Rt. Hon. Imam is a man who has redefined the job of a legislator as the people used to know it. The impact he has made in the lives of women of his constituency and the state in general, marked him out to be recognised.”
She therefore prayed God to always guide him in piloting the affairs of the Assembly.
Reacting to the award, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Imam Umar who expressed delight about the recognition accorded him, said he remained humbled by the notice given his modest achievements in the short time in office.
He said the recognition by the women group would serve as a tonic that will spur him towards contributing further to societal development.
Imam who described the group’s award as gratifying, knowing that they identify with him, promised to carry them along in his political programmes.
According to the Speaker, “The present leadership in the house is yet to settle down very well, when it does, I will hit the ground running by mapping out programmes that would have direct bearings on the lives of women of the state.
“We will take maximum advantage of this office as the Speaker, by supporting legislation that would have positive impact on the lives of every Kogi woman.”
