Diri Calls For More Inclusion Of Women In Governance

….Yenagoa, Banjul Sign Sister-City Agreement

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and governance across Africa, stressing that the continent’s development and prosperity would be significantly accelerated when women are given equal opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes.

Hotnews gathered that the governor made the call on Wednesday, 3, June, 2026, at the Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia, during the formal presentation of a book, magazine, and documentary celebrating the life and achievements of Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, the first female Mayor of the City of Banjul and a renowned advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, Diri described Mayor Lowe as an exemplary leader whose accomplishments have demonstrated the transformative impact of inclusive and purposeful leadership.

He said her success story serves as a compelling argument for empowering women and dismantling barriers that hinder their advancement in society.

According to the Bayelsa governor, Africa can no longer afford to marginalize women if it hopes to overcome the complex social, economic, and political challenges confronting the continent.

He urged governments, institutions, and leaders across Africa to intentionally create pathways that enable women to participate fully in governance and public service.

“May I use this platform to encourage leaders across our continent to deliberately create opportunities for women to contribute at the highest levels of governance and public service,” Diri stated.

“The progress of our nations will be accelerated when leadership is inclusive and when merit, competence, and vision are allowed to flourish irrespective of gender.”

The governor noted that women have consistently demonstrated exceptional resilience, innovation, compassion, and commitment to service in various sectors, yet their immense potential remains underutilized in leadership positions.

He questioned whether some of Africa’s persistent developmental challenges could be linked to the continent’s failure to adequately integrate women into governance and critical decision-making structures.

“Africa cannot afford to leave half of its human capital on the sidelines while seeking solutions to complex social, economic, and political challenges,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his own administration’s policies, Diri emphasized his longstanding belief in the capacity of women to lead and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

He explained that the Bayelsa State Government has deliberately expanded opportunities for women and young people to participate actively in governance, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved when all segments of society have representation and a stake in shaping the future.

The governor also challenged cultural and traditional practices that inhibit women’s progress, insisting that such barriers should be discarded to enable women to attain their full potential.

“It is therefore fitting that today we celebrate a leader whose accomplishments stand as evidence of what purposeful and inclusive leadership can achieve,” he said.

“The book, documentary, and magazine do more than commemorate. They provide a benchmark of service, a record of what deliberate, citizen-centred leadership can produce. They will serve as both inspiration and instruction for those who follow.”

Diri Condemns Xenophobia
Governor Diri also used the occasion to express concern over the recurring incidents of xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa, describing such actions as detrimental to the ideals of African unity and solidarity.

He said xenophobia undermines the vision of Pan-Africanism championed by Africa’s founding leaders and weakens efforts aimed at fostering cooperation and integration among African nations.

According to him, acts of discrimination and violence against fellow Africans erode the bonds of brotherhood that unite the continent.

“Such acts wound the fabric of Pan-African brotherhood that our forebears like Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the independence leader of The Gambia, fought to build. When one nation suffers, our response must be guided by compassion, solidarity, and pragmatic support,” he said.

Yenagoa, Banjul Formalize Partnership
One of the highlights of the event was the signing of a sister-city agreement between the Banjul City Council and the Yenagoa Local Government Area Council.

The agreement was signed by Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe on behalf of Banjul and the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, on behalf of Yenagoa.

The partnership is expected to strengthen cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, governance collaboration, and people-to-people relationships between both cities.

Lowe Honours Diri
In recognition of his commitment to promoting women’s inclusion and empowerment, Mayor Lowe presented Governor Diri with the symbolic Key to the City of Banjul, alongside other awards.

She commended the governor for his unwavering support for women, describing his approach as uncommon among many political leaders on the African continent.

Lowe expressed gratitude for Diri’s presence and support, noting that his policies and advocacy have helped advance the cause of women in leadership and governance.

She also shared her personal journey in politics, recounting how she emerged as the 16th Mayor of Banjul and the only female mayor in the country’s history. She explained that her commitment to public service and the advancement of women was inspired by her father, who served as the city’s eighth mayor.

The event attracted government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, development partners, women’s groups, and other stakeholders from across Africa, who gathered to celebrate Lowe’s remarkable achievements and discuss the future of women’s leadership on the continent.

The gathering ultimately served as a strong platform for promoting gender inclusion, African unity, and cross-border cooperation, with Governor Diri reaffirming the need for African nations to embrace diversity, empower women, and strengthen ties that foster sustainable development across the continent.

~ Hot News Reporters
Friday, 5, June, 2026