Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has called for greater participation of women in Nigeria’s decision-making processes to strengthen democracy nationwide.

Mr Sulaiman made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) tree-planting exercise commemorating its 30th anniversary, themed “30 Trees for 30 Years.”

According to him, democracy in Nigeria has come to stay and requires collective commitment, dedication and sustained efforts to nurture, strengthen and consolidate democratic governance institutions for future generations.

“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,” he said.

The NILDS boss said the tree-planting exercise symbolised a long-term investment in Nigeria’s democratic future rather than a ceremonial activity, emphasising sustainability, hope and commitment to nurturing democratic institutions for posterity.

“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.

“Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and we must do everything possible to nurture it,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman likened nurturing planted trees to nurturing democracy, expressing hope that Nigerian women would increasingly participate in governance, leadership and decision-making processes at all levels across the country.

“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 said.

He commended NILOWV for promoting democratic values through the symbolic exercise, describing it as planting the seed of democracy and the seed of the future for generations to nurture.

According to him, the initiative would inspire greater participation by Nigerians in elections, decision-making and policymaking processes across democratic institutions and governance structures, promoting inclusive and sustainable national development.

“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 added.

Earlier, Irene Ikyegh, national president of NILOWV, said the organisation embarked on the initiative to leave a lasting legacy as it celebrated 30 years of promoting women’s leadership, democracy and citizens’ participation nationwide.

She said the group would plant 30 trees across the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promote environmental sustainability and democracy.

“As part of our 30th anniversary, NILOWV is planting 30 trees for 30 years of service.

“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,” she said.

Mrs Ikyegh urged Nigerians to nurture the trees, saying they symbolised hope, service and collective responsibility towards building a better nation with a sustainable environment, stronger democracy and inclusive governance for all citizens.

 (NAN)