The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the Nigerian parliament’s dedication to advancing political inclusion for women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

?Speaking in Abuja while receiving the newly posted British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pete Vowles, Speaker Abbas detailed legislative efforts aimed at reserving seats in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for underrepresented groups.

The Speaker revealed that the House sought the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has adopted the proposed measures to be transmitted to parliament as executive bills.

Under the proposed model, women and PLWDs would be selected through a specialized electoral college system, an initiative expected to significantly boost female parliamentary representation.

Highlighting the UK’s history of advocating for equal opportunities, Speaker Abbas assured the envoy that Nigeria shares a similar passion and remains open to strategic partnerships.

?In a separate audience, Speaker Abbas hosted Hollywood actor and founder of Guardian Girls International, Shin Koyamada, who officially announced the launch of Guardian Girls Nigeria (GGN) in Abuja.

The organization, which collaborates with United Nations agencies and international sports federations, uses martial arts, education, and self-defense training to empower women and combat gender-based violence.

Accompanying Mr. Koyamada were key representatives from the organization, who outlined upcoming launch activities and self-defense workshops hosted in collaboration with foreign diplomatic missions and national martial arts federations.