The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that gender balancing to give fair participation in governance to both men and women in Nigeria is an important part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution by the 9th Assembly.
He also stated that the Federal Character Principle, as currently captured in the constitution, was being re-defined to go beyond ethnicity by including gender and other variables.
Gbajabiamila spoke in Abuja on Wednesday when a delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly.
The Speaker also informed the delegation, led by the CPA’s Secretary-General, Mr Stephen Twigg, that care for Persons Living With Disabilities had received the attention of the Nigerian legislature.
He explained that a number of bills seeking to amend the constitution by making clear provisions on gender balancing, federal character review and the disability question were in progress at the House of Representatives in particular.
The speaker stated, “What we are doing is that we are going through a constitutional amendment process.
“We are looking at gender issues in a way to address the two sides.
“Even in the way we apply the federal character principle, we want to go beyond ethnicity to include gender and others as well.”
Gbajabiamila noted that the House and the CPA would appear to be on the same page since the association too had promoted gender equality and drawn attention to the challenges faced by people living with disability, like exclusion from governance.
Speaking on the relevance of the CPA, Gbajabiamila told the delegation that it had fostered relationships among parliaments.
He briefed the delegation on how the 9th House under his leadership introduced Parliamentary Diplomacy as a tool to assist the Executive arm in resolving disputes that could negatively affect the relationship between Nigeria and other countries.
“We have used it in Ghana, in South Africa and other areas where we needed to intervene to resolve some issues”, he added.
The speaker also informed the delegation about the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments (COSAP), which he initiated in 2020 to “help our various nations to address development challenges on the continent.”
He cited the plea to creditor nations to cancel the debts owed by African countries as one of the main agenda of the group, which would hold its first physical meeting in the first quarter of 2022.
Speaking earlier, Twigg praised Gbajabiamila and the House for the “brilliant initiatives” he had read in the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House.
He particularly commended the initiative to “expand the scope of participation in governance by women and the disabled.”
Twigg also said seeking debt cancellation was a “bold” effort by the CoSAP and encouraged the group to continue to push for it, hoping that the members would have a reason to celebrate eventually.
Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila
Constitutional amendment: We’re addressing gender balancing in political participation, care for PLWDs – Gbajabiamila
Gbajabiamila expresses sympathy over Lagos building collapse, calls for measures to forestall future incident
Gbajabiamila expresses sympathy over Lagos building collapse, calls for measures to forestall future incident
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed his sympathy over the Lagos building collapse of Monday, November 1, which led to the loss of some lives.
Gbajabiamila said it was unfortunate that the building collapse happened at a time the Lagos State Government was doing everything possible to make the lives of Lagosians safer.
The Speaker sent his condolences to the families of the victims, noting that he shared in their grief.
Speaker Gbajabiamila also sympathized with the government and people of Lagos State over the unfortunate incident.
He called for adequate measures to forestall future occurrence while urging the relevant authorities to double their efforts at rescuing those trapped in the multi-story building.
Gbajabiamila salutes Oba of Lagos Rilwanu Akiolu at 78
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu on his 78th birthday.
Gbajabiamila said Oba Rilwan has been a great inspiration to leaders across the country, noting that his leadership qualities are unique.
The Speaker said at 78, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has demonstrated uncommon commitment and dedication to the growth and development of his people and Nigerians as a whole.
He said he was personally proud of the Oba of Lagos, whom he described as a pillar of hope and unity.
Speaker Gbajabiamila noted with delight the selfless service of the Oba of Lagos since his ascension to the throne in 2003, saying Oba Rilwan Akiolu has been a father to all.
Gbajabiamila prayed for more fruitful years in good health and increased wisdom for the Oba of Lagos.
Eid-el-Maulud: Gbajabiamila charges Muslims on unity, prayers for Nigeria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged Nigerian Muslims to remain united, steadfast and continue to live peacefully with their neighbours as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.
Speaker Gbajabiamila also called on Nigerian Muslims to continue to pray for the country and her leaders, especially as they celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said the life and times of the Holy Prophet were worthy of emulation, hence the need for Nigerian Muslims to emulate him.
Gbajabiamila said though Nigeria is facing some challenges at the moment, he noted that with prayers and unity of purpose, the country shall overcome them.
He urged all Nigerians to continue to be vigilant wherever they are as that would help in checkmating insecurity.
Speaker Gbajabiamila was optimistic that Nigeria and Nigerians would come out stronger.
Speaker Gbajabiamila salutes Ooni of Ife at 47
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on his 47th birthday.
Gbajabiamila said the 51st Ooni of Ife, who ascended the throne in 2015, has been living an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
The Speaker expressed delight that Oba Ogunwusi has upheld the rich culture of the Yoruba people, which was handed down to him by his forefathers.
He said the Ooni has been providing the necessary support in uplifting the youths and the country at large.
Since his ascendancy to the throne, the Speaker said, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has proved to be a symbol of unity and peace.
Gbajabiamila recalled how Oba Ogunwusi has been preaching peaceful coexistence among Nigerians as well as making valuable suggestions on how to tackle insecurity in the country.
Gbajabiamila Organises workshop for Kano health workers
…says quality healthcare, improved welfare among House’s priorities
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has organised a 3-day training workshop for over 65 health workers in Kano, with a view to strengthening their capacity for better service delivery and professionalism.
The workshop with the theme, ‘Improving Patient’s Outcome Through Ethical Conduct and Professionalism in the Covid Era,’ was aimed at reawakening the health workers to the seriousness of their duties and the need for them to adhere to ethical principles and standards.
The second in the series of the national health programme of the Speaker, the workshop was also to instill in health workers a diligent attitude when attending to patients and to remind them of the legal rights of patients in the case of an injury caused as a result of medical negligence.
Speaking at the event held in Kano at the weekend, Gbajabiamila said: “Our gathering here today is an effort to support the work of healthcare professionals in our country by providing training and support to ensure that you have the skills to navigate the issues of ethics and professionalism that are integral to your continued effectiveness in the business of saving lives.”
While recognising the commitment, dedication and sacrifices of the health workers, the Speaker, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, assured that “delivering a working healthcare system that takes into proper account the issue of healthcare access and quality and the welfare of health professionals remains a priority for the 9th House of Representatives.
“Over the last two budget cycles, we have significantly increased the sums allocated for healthcare in the federal budget. We will continue in this regard. The House has also been at the forefront of engaging with healthcare unions to ensure that the welfare of health officers remains a governing priority. We will also continue in this regard.”
The Speaker thanked the Kano State Government, particularly the Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other stakeholders for their support for the success of the training.
In a remark, governor Ganduje, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, thanked the Speaker for choosing Kano State as the next destination for the health training, having held the maiden edition in Lagos last November.
He said healthcare remained a top priority of the State Government, a reason such a workshop was a welcome development to the state, adding that the government would continue to prioritize healthcare issues.
In a welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Alhaji Sanusi Garba Rikiji, expressed delight that the participants at the workshop turned out in their large numbers.
Rikiji said the issue of healthcare was one at the heart of the Speaker, whom he said had dedicated a lot of time to attend to such issues, including ensuring increased budgetary allocations.
The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, represented by the Director of Medical Services in the ministry, Dr. Shehu Usman Abdullahi, noted that both the Speaker and Governor Ganduje shared the same vision for the health sector.
In a goodwill message, the President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Ujah, eulogised the Speaker for being at the forefront of healthcare issues.
He noted with delight all the interventions of the Speaker in the area of healthcare and said the association would continue to support the Speaker in whatever way possible.
On his part, the MD/CEO of Trutech Engineering Consult and Services, Mr. Joseph Aondona, said his organisation had health intervention as an area of Corporate Social Responsibility, which was why they supported such programmes nationwide.
The Speaker had organised a similar national health programme in Lagos last November where many health workers were trained for better service delivery.
We’ll ensure exhaustive work on 2022 budget – Gbajabiamila
…tasks MDAs on accountability, timeliness at budget defence
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the National Assembly would “ensure exhaustive consideration” of the 2022 budget that President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the federal legislature on Thursday.
The Speaker, who said the National Assembly was committed to the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill as it did in the last two years, noted that the next two to three months will be for the strictest scrutiny of the budget estimates and emphasized that lawmakers would hold government agencies accountable for the previously appropriated funds.
In a remark at the budget presentation before a joint session of the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila recalled that upon inauguration, the 9th Assembly committed itself to pursue long-awaited and critical reforms to the appropriations process for better delivery on the promise of national development.
“Over the last two budget cycles, by the joint effort of the executive and legislature, we have made significant progress in this regard and achieved reforms that will stand the test of time and count in our favour,” he noted.
Speaker Gbajabiamila added that while working to deliver the previous budgets, the lawmakers worked “through the day and night, forgoing all other considerations in a joint effort to deliver a national budget that meets the highest expectations of the Nigerian people.
“Therefore, I am confident that the National Assembly will give this Appropriation Bill the prompt consideration it demands.
“However, let me use this opportunity to say to the heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria that the determination of the National Assembly to deliver a timely budget will not derogate from our responsibility to ensure exhaustive consideration of the Bill.
“We will demand a thorough accounting for the funds previously appropriated, disbursed and expended. And we will take steps to hold to account those who fail to provide the records we need to make informed decisions on the Appropriation Bill. This is the responsibility of the National Assembly, and we will live up to it.”
The speaker noted that the reforms introduced by the 9th Assembly in the appropriations process, “including establishing a January to December budget cycle, improving oversight procedures, and ensuring greater fidelity to the letter and spirit of our appropriation laws, have led to measurable improvements in public infrastructure, access to education and housing, healthcare and transportation, amongst others.
“These improvements, which have had a positive impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country, inspire us to do more.”
He said innovations in technology, the changing nature of global trade, the challenges of cross-border insecurity and the increasing interdependence of nations have continued to “present challenges we must overcome and opportunities we must embrace.”
As legislators and leaders in government, the speaker said, “we have a continued obligation to ensure that in considering this Appropriation Bill, we make all deliberate efforts to ensure that we continue to make critical investments in education and healthcare, public infrastructure and national security.
“Through these investments, we can hope to build an economy that provides enough well-paying jobs for our young population so that we can, in our lifetime, end endemic poverty in our country and eradicate the social ills that derive therefrom.”
The speaker said the House has, in the last one year, passed several important resolutions relating to healthcare, primary education and national security that require actual funding.
“Where these resolutions have not been included in the Appropriation Bill, the House will work with the Senate and with the Executive to see to it that the final version of this Appropriation Bill includes necessary allocations to implement these resolutions and give full effect to the best wishes of the House.”
Gbajabiamila thanked President Buhari for coming to present the budget estimates personally as usual, and commended the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the Budget Office, Honourable Ministers and all those who contributed to drafting the Appropriation Bill.
“The National Assembly will build on your efforts. Together, we will deliver an Appropriation Act that provides real solutions to national problems, unlocks economic potential, secures our country and brings a future we can all look forward to and be proud of.”
He also paid glowing tributes to senators and members of the House for their “unmatched determination to delivering the annual budget on time, in line with our commitment to a January to December budget cycle.”
Gbajabiamila pledges legislative support for development of road transport
…RTEAN visits, seeks Transport bank, waivers
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has pledged the support of the legislature to fully develop the road transport sector in the country.
He said the House would do all within its powers to support the expansion of infrastructure and the transformation of road transport unions to become truly professional bodies in line with global practices.
Speaker Gbajabiamila spoke on Thursday when the leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria paid him a courtesy call at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The speaker acknowledged the critical role of transportation in the development of the economy of any nation. He said one urgent area to address would be the rapid expansion of road infrastructure.
“There is a lot we can do together.
Road transport plays a very critical role in the development of Nigeria.“It is one of the most significant sectors in any country.
“We want to support you and engage you as a House as much as we can. We are here to help and assist you”, the speaker stated.
Gbajabiamila asked RTEAN to professionalise its operations and work toward sanitising the nation’s motor parks.
“In other places across the world; in Germany, the US, the UK and several others, transport associations are well-respected as professional groups. That is what we want in Nigeria.
“I have seen your recommendations. You want a transport development bank. That is fantastic. We are here as a House to give you all the necessary support to achieve your set targets.
Earlier, the Executive President of RTEAN, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, who led the leadership on the visit, praised Gbajabiamila’s leadership qualities, urging him to sustain his commitment to nation-building through legislative interventions.
Musa told the speaker they were at the National Assembly to seek his support for proposed reforms RTEAN would want to be carried out in the road transport sector.
He listed them as (a) establishment of Transport Development Bank (b); compulsory introduction of Traveller’s Insurance Policy at all motor parks; and (c) Waiver for Importation of Commercial vehicles not assembled in Nigeria.
According to Musa, these proposals, when implemented, will help greatly to strengthen the road transport sector in the country, which he described as the “second highest employer of labour after government.”
Alaafin names Speaker Gbajabiamila as Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland
…I’m most honoured, says Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been conferred with the traditional title of the Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Legislative Guide for Yorubaland) by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (CFR).
This is the first time that a Yoruba son would be conferred with such a title.
The Alaafin made the conferment in a letter dated September 7, 2021, and presented to the Speaker on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja, by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Yusuf Olayinka Ayoola, who is the traditional Prime Minister of Oyo Kingdom.
The Alaafin said in the letter that: “Since your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing-in as a member of Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence as the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the 9th National Assembly House of Representatives via an overwhelming 283 votes out of 360 members.
“I have watched with keen interest your unquantifiable contributions on the floor of the House as a member with the highest number of Bills and Motions, to your rise from a Member to Minority Leader, Leader of the House and eventually the Rt. Hon. Speaker and your Centrality in the federating unit Nigeria have placed you in the legislative realm just like our forefathers who were actively involved in nation-building.
“….Going by the above, you have demonstrated as a Legislator the uniqueness inherent in the Yoruba race participating effectively in nation-building; you have participated in ensuring that the practice of separation of power to check abuses of the Executive and ensure the smooth running of government.
“After due consideration and indeed consultation, the Alaafin in Council has identified you with the aforementioned attributes and considered you worthy of being honoured. It is on this basis that I have decided on behalf of Yoruba land to pick you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND.’
“This new title bestowed on you is a clear reflection of your outstanding success as an astute legislator, accomplished Legal Luminary, successful Representative of Yoruba race and Nigeria in general. With this title, you are placed in the rank of great Empire builders and defenders of the Yoruba race. The least I can expect from you in your new title is to put all the state attributes of yours for the service of Yoruba land and advancement of a balanced system of government.”
Presenting the letter, the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Ayoola, who spoke in Yoruba language, said the selection of the Speaker as the first Supreme Legislative Guide of Yorubaland land was well thought out.
The Bashorun, whose remarks were translated by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, leader of the Oyo Development Association, said looking at Gbajabiamila’s records, the Alaafin saw in him “an adequate representation of the kind of balance in governance where the Executive exercises its own authority, but the Legislature is there to say this is what the people want, and this is how we want you to do it.”
Accepting the honour, Speaker Gbajabiamila said he was full of appreciation and pride looking at where the title came from.
“I honestly want to thank the Alaafin for this gesture; this honour that he has done to me and the House of Representatives. May the Almighty God continue to honour him.
“I receive this honour with pride because of where it is coming from. You cannot talk about Yorubaland and not talk about the Alaafin and the Oyo Kingdom as the cradle of civilisation.”
The Speaker noted with delight how democratic the Oyo Empire had been even before the coming of the colonial masters, saying the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s democratic journey could not be too strongly stressed.
“I have accepted this honour on behalf of the House and my colleagues”, he added.
There were goodwill messages from the leader of the South West Caucus in the House, Rep. Femi Fakeye, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Oluwole Oke, who also thanked the delegation for the honour done the Speaker and the House.
We’ll use legislative tools for Nigeria’s perfect union – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the 9th House was committed to using the tools of legislative authority to advance solutions and implement policies that will help achieve the promise of a more perfect union in the country.
The Speaker said everything that needed to be done should be carried out by all the stakeholders to achieve the best visions for Nigeria and the welfare of the citizens.
Gbajabiamila spoke when he declared open the 2021 Roundtable on Social Protection Cover organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Wednesday, with the theme ‘Expanding Social Protection Cover and Ensuring Effective Implementation in Nigeria.’
The Speaker, who said he has the “greatest respect and love” for the Nigerian workers, called on well-meaning Nigerians, including politicians, to always have the interest of the workers at heart.
He noted that social protection is one of the most important responsibilities of government, saying it “legitimises the state in the eyes of citizens and bestows on government the moral authority to demand fidelity to the laws of the land and to take punitive action against those who choose to act in ways inimical to the collective good.
“So, when we gather as we have done this morning to think together about the ways to improve social protection cover in our country, we are engaged in a fundamental act of nation-building.
“We are making sure that there is a collective agreement on what it will take to achieve our best visions for Nigeria and the welfare of all our nation’s people. I expect that having secured agreement on what needs to be done, we will do what is required.
“I want to assure you that in the 9th House of Representatives, we are committed to using the tools of legislative authority to advance solutions and implement policies that will help achieve the promise of a more perfect union.”
He said though these are challenging times for Nigeria, “an abundance of historical evidence leads me to believe that in this moment of crisis, there is an opportunity for us to make choices and take actions that can open up new vistas and measurably improve the lives of Nigerians.
“These choices will not come easy, and the actions we have to take will require sacrifice. We have it in our power to build a country where every citizen has the opportunity to rise to the height of their abilities. And we will, through our joint effort, and by the grace of God.”
Earlier in an address, the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the Speaker has earned the trust of the Nigerian workers by not only attending the event but also ensuring that issues affecting them were always at the forefront.
