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 residence in
Lokoja, Kogi State Coordinator of the group, Hajiya Ramatu Muhammed,
urged the speaker and other legislators to recognise 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 him 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 legislations that would have positive impact on the lives of
every Kogi woman."
