Osasu, Mabel, Gill Lever, champion students’ rally on women’s inclusion bill

At the recent Nigeria Rises With Her Town Hall Meeting, Dr. Chidozie Aja, Special Assistant on Legislative Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, made it crystal clear that change doesn’t just happen.

It starts when people understand what’s at stake and commit to pushing for it. He introduced the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill” not just as another law, but as a crucial step toward true inclusion.

“This bill aims to rewrite the 1999 Constitution to guarantee women spots at every level of legislative leadership,” he explained. “It’s about opening doors that have been closed for too long.”

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But Dr. Aja warned that knowing the bill isn’t enough. “You have to understand it deeply- its purpose, its power, its potential. That’s how you become a convincing voice for change.”

His message was a charge to the young crowd, students, activists, and emerging leaders, to become champions of the cause. “Start conversations,” he urged. “Talk to your fathers, uncles, mentors, even your bosses. Change begins with dialogue.”Others echoed his call.

While the bill has made some progress in the Senate, the real test lies beyond the halls of power. Real change depends on Nigerians demanding it, whether at home, in schools, or across communities.

“This isn’t just about politics,” said Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. “It’s about building a democracy that truly reflects all Nigerians.”

The path forward is clear. We cannot afford to keep sidelining the majority. The time to fix this is now, and it starts with every conversation.