By KELU MUSA/JUSTINA AUTA

The UN Women Nigeria Country Office has screened a new advocacy film, “Ibukun and the People”, to mobilise support for the Special Seats for Women Bill and promote inclusive governance in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the film screening, held in Abuja, attracted Nollywood actors, development partners, members of the media, civil society groups and advocates for women’s political participation.

The movie, produced under the Side by Side Naija multimedia campaign, featured Nollywood veterans including Ivie Okujaiye, Uzee Usman and Joke Silva, amongst others.

The production highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in parliament and decision-making positions, while advocating greater inclusion of women in governance.

The film was produced by UN Women with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Government of Canada.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the initiative as a major step in advancing women’s representation and gender equality.

Eyong expressed optimism that the message of the film would resonate widely and strengthen advocacy for women’s political participation across the country.

“This is a great thing for Nigerian women and I want to applaud the young people that came up with this wonderful idea, which will increase our advocacy for inclusive governance and women’s representation in politics,” she said.

Ms Muriel Mafico, United Nations Population Fund, Country Representative to Nigeria, reaffirmed the commitment of all United Nations agencies in supporting the passage of the Special Seats Bill for women to increase women’s representation.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Director General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, stressed the need for women not to lose focus but engage in grassroots advocacy and unite towards increasing women political representation.

Mrs Ene Obi, a notable human rights activist and women rights advocate, said the film would help amplify the voices of women and reinforce the need for equitable representation in leadership and governance.

Obi added that the passage of the Special Seats Bill will correct Nigeria’s political imbalance, enable women bring unique perspectives to leadership and contribute meaningfully to national development.

She therefore, urged men and other stakeholders to continue to advocate for the passage of the special seats bill for women to increase the number of women elected to decision-making positions.

Also, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President, League of Women Voters of Nigeria, described the Special Seats Bill as a vital affirmative action to deepen democracy and empower women.

Meanwhile, Patience Ejoke-Ogedegbe, the movie director, said the movie sends a strong message to political leaders that credible women will no longer be intimidated or afraid to contest and garner support to run for any political office.

Mr Uzee Usman, a popular Nollywood and Kannywood actor, who featured as a senator in the movie, stressed the need to encourage more women to contest for political positions, as well as support them.

Ivie Okujaiye who played the role of Ibukun, said the movie would serve as an inspiration for women to defy blackmail and other stereotypes when seeking political office.

NAN reports that guests at the screening commended the production quality, storyline and performances, describing the film as impactful and socially relevant.

They also called for stronger collaboration between the creative industry and development organisations in promoting social change and inclusive governance.

Other highlights include the conferment of awards to some of the stars for their supports, commitment to inclusive governance and gender equality. (NAN)