BY Wumi Oyehan
Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman, on Thursday, said it is imperative for all Nigerians to nurture democracy in the country.
Suleiman stated this in Abuja, during a tree planting exercise organised by League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), in Abuja.
He also wished that a time will come when the majority of Nigerian women will not only vote but will also be counted and be part of the decision-making process in the country.
He added that he also wish women play a major role in policymaking, be adequately represented and have their voices heard.
The tree planting exercise is part of the programme in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of NILOWV in Abuja.
The DG of NILDS, also conveyed the appreciation of the Senate President and the Speaker for this gesture.
According to the DG, “We are talking about the votes of the people. We are talking about democracy, and the legislature is a very important arm of government. Therefore, your choice of this institute for this event is a recognition of the importance of the legislature in Nigeria’s democracy.
”I want to convey the appreciation of the Senate President and the Speaker for this gesture. It is not just about planting a tree or doing something for the sake of it. It is about planting for the future, providing shade and laying a solid foundation” .
He noted, “Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and we must do everything possible to nurture it.
”Nurturing that tree is nurturing democracy. Nurturing the tree is nurturing our future. It is also a demonstration of our hope that, one day, the majority of Nigerian women will not only vote but will also be counted.
”Beyond being counted, women must be part of the decision-making process in this country. They must play a major role in policymaking, be adequately represented and have their voices heard”.
He, therefore, joined the members of NILWV in planting the trees.
”This is what the organisation stands for. On behalf of our leadership and the management of this institute, I want to express our appreciation. We join you in planting this seed — the seed of democracy and the seed of our future.
”I believe that whoever comes here in the future will look at this tree and say, ‘Yes, on the 22nd of October 2026, something meaningful was done here.’
”What has been done today, though symbolic, will hopefully yield results in the form of greater participation by Nigerians in elections, decision-making and policymaking.
”One day, we hope to see greater participation by women in decision-making and a stronger role for them in Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
NILOWV National President Hon Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, in her welcome address said, the tree planting is part of their anniversary programme.
She said, “As part of our 30th anniversary, NILOWV is planting 30 trees for 30 years of service. We will plant 10 trees here at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, 10 at the National Assembly, and another 10 at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
”We have chosen these institutions deliberately because each represents an important part of our democracy. NILDS promotes legislative learning and democratic development; the National Assembly is where laws are made on behalf of Nigerians; and INEC plays a vital role in our electoral process. By planting trees at these three institutions, we are sending a message that a healthy environment and a healthy democracy both require commitment, responsibility and care. We are also asking everyone who sees these trees in the years ahead to remember that building a better Nigeria is a responsibility we all share”.