Kafilat Adetola Ogbara

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) conferred on me the Gender Justice Advocate Award as it commemorated three distinguished decades of advancing women’s participation in our democracy.

I receive this honour with profound gratitude and accept it as a mandate to keep going.

My role as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has taught me one enduring lesson: gender justice is the truest measure of whether our democracy is genuinely inclusive. It is shown in a girl child who completes her education unhindered, in a widow whose rights are steadfastly protected, and in a legislature that truly reflects the people it serves.

For thirty years, NILOWV has advanced this cause with remarkable conviction, one voter, one candidate and one community at a time. I am privileged to stand alongside them, and resolute about the task ahead, including the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women.

To the good people of Kosofe, my esteemed colleagues, and every woman who has ever been asked to wait her turn: this recognition belongs to us all. Nigeria is stronger, wiser and more just when women share in its leadership, and we are determined to prove it.

Congratulations to NILOWV on this landmark 30th anniversary. @nilowvoters