Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has pledged that bills promoting women’s rights and inclusion, which previously failed in the 9th Assembly, will receive a more favorable response in the 10th National Assembly.

He expressed his dedication to championing women’s rights, empowerment, and their active participation in legislative processes.

Kalu made this commitment during the 40th-anniversary celebration of NEWS Engineering Limited and the launch of the NEWS 40/40 Leadership Development Fellowship, which took place in Abuja on Monday.

ALSO READ: Kano deputy governor and Ganduje clash over N300 billion debt inheritance

The event gathered notable figures, including traditional leaders like the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, Senate Committee on Power Chairman, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Executive Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, among others.

Deputy Speaker Kalu praised Josephine Nwaeze, the current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of News Engineering, for her remarkable leadership in successfully steering the company after her husband’s tragic death in a 2006 plane crash.

He stressed the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women to society.

Kalu emphasized, “It is high time we stopped underestimating the power of a woman. Everything they handle with dedication, they multiply.

As the chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, I have a lot of work on my hands to ensure the repositioning of women in our country is achieved.”

He went on to highlight that prominent government officials, including the President, Vice President, and Chief of Staff, have parliamentary backgrounds, which makes them appreciate the role of legislative intervention in promoting gender equality and inclusiveness.

He expressed confidence that the President would support gender equality bills, stating, “The President gave it to his wife, which is why she became a senator.

So, when we take it to her, she might say yes to this bill, and it won’t face the same challenges as before because the Presidency believes in women.”

Josephine Nwaeze, reflecting on her journey, expressed hope that her experiences would inspire others.

ALSO READ: US consulate partners with ascend studio to empower women migrants with $4,500

She emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and technological advancements for sustainable success.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, praised Nwaeze for building upon her husband’s legacy and stressed the importance of placing women in key government positions to accelerate Nigeria’s economic development. He underlined the undeniable impact of women in nation-building.

The monarch remarked, “Deputy Speaker, you spoke of how a woman has made such an impact, but this should not surprise anyone because whatever you give to a woman, they will nurture it, incubate it, and produce a full manifestation of that seed.

The seed that her husband left with her, she has been able to incubate, nurture, and develop into a thriving organization better than what her husband left.”