The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to declare the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, as Africa’s Champion for Gender Equality.
Agbese made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen on Saturday following a high-level retreat of the PAP Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Pretoria, South Africa.
He said the recognition would reflect Abbas’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive governance through legislative reforms and leadership within Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Agbese, who represented Nigeria at the retreat, said Abbas had shown consistent dedication to gender-sensitive legislation and had promoted the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in parliamentary processes.
“His legislative track record demonstrates a strong commitment to fairness, justice, and equal opportunity for all genders,” he said.
Agbese noted that Abbas’s leadership had positioned Nigeria as a leading voice in gender advocacy across the continent, adding that his work should not go unrecognised at such a critical time.
“Speaker Abbas represents a new generation of legislative leaders for whom inclusiveness is not just a policy direction but a guiding political value,” he said.
He outlined the retreat as a historic opportunity to advance the rights and dignity of women, girls, and vulnerable groups through legislative frameworks.
Agbese added that Abbas’s contributions were evident in the number of gender-focused bills, motions, and debates he had led in the House of Representatives.
He said designating Abbas as Africa’s Champion for Gender Equality would serve as both recognition of his contributions and encouragement for other leaders to prioritise inclusive governance.
“Under his leadership, the House has become more responsive to the needs of marginalised groups and has encouraged greater participation of women in legislative and oversight functions,” he said.
Agbese said the proposal had been submitted to the relevant PAP committee, which is expected to consider and respond to the recommendation in due course.
He added that the endorsement of Abbas would affirm Nigeria’s continental leadership in promoting gender equity and signal a broader national commitment to fairness and justice across Africa.
The Pretoria retreat, which brought together lawmakers, legal experts, youth leaders and development partners, focused on reviewing and finalising a Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity for Africa.
