As the Reserved Seats For Women Bill has continued to receive unprecedented support, the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), has called for the same affirmative action to be extended to them.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee member and the national chairman of PWDs, Hon. Tolu Bankole made the call in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
While declaring his total support for the proposed Reserved Seats Bill for Women in the National Assembly, Hon. Bankole urged inclusion of PWDs.
Describing the bill as “timely and reflective of the nation’s readiness”, he stated:
“Women are the engine room of development. No women, no nation. Nigerian women are not only beautiful but also smart, responsive, caring, responsible, competent, and reliable. Their managerial ingenuity is both distinguished and honourable.”
He appealed to lawmakers at both state and national levels to ensure a speedy passage of the legislation while incorporating provisions for PWDs:
“I respectfully urge our distinguished legislators to pass this all-important bill without delay and to extend the same treatment to Persons With Disabilities, who remain among the most vulnerable in our society.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of women in governance and economic growth, Hon. Bankole noted that Nigerian women are eminently qualified for leadership positions and essential to nation-building.
“Women are the backbone of every successful household and, by extension, of organisations and nations. Their inclusion in political leadership will enrich decision-making, drive innovation, and strengthen our democracy,” he said.
Bankole underscored the qualities women bring to management and politics: breaking stereotypes, offering diverse perspectives, demonstrating collaborative leadership, and serving as role models for future generations.
Hon. Bankole stressed the need to recognise the rights and potential of PWDs, advocating for their inclusion in the reserved seats initiative.
“Affirmative action for PWDs is not just an act of compassion but a national imperative to harness the skills and insights of millions of Nigerians who face systemic barriers,” he stated.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, Hon. Bankole described the current macroeconomic indicators as proof that “Tinubunomics is working.”
He pointed to Nigeria’s strong economic growth, noting that the country’s gross domestic product expanded by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025—its fastest pace in four years and ahead of International Monetary Fund projections. Inflation has also cooled steadily, dropping to 20.12 percent in August 2025, the lowest level in over three years after five consecutive months of decline.
“External reserves have risen to a robust $42.03 billion as of September, the highest since 2019, providing coverage for eight months of imports and bolstering investor confidence. Oil production has rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, spurring a 20.46 percent growth in the petroleum sector and strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.
“Trade performance has equally improved, with the country’s trade surplus surging by 44.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion. At the same time, the naira has gained 3 percent against the dollar in September, supported by foreign-exchange reforms and fresh capital inflows.
“These indicators show Nigeria is turning the corner. The country is ascending, and the future shines with promise. President Tinubu’s reforms are laying the foundation for sustained growth and shared prosperity,” Bankole affirmed.
Hon. Tolu Bankole congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s progress as the 65th Independence Anniversary approaches, reiterating that the Reserved Seats Bill, with PWD inclusion, is a vital step toward equity, representation, and national renewal.