…Calls for inclusive democracy as group plants 30 trees to mark anniversary
By Queen Kunde
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has called for greater participation of women in decision-making and policymaking to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Sulaiman made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the 30th anniversary tree-planting exercise of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), themed “30 Trees for 30 Years.”
He said Nigeria’s democracy could only grow stronger when women moved beyond voting to actively participate in leadership, governance and decisions affecting the country.
The NILDS boss described the tree-planting exercise as a symbolic investment in the future of Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that, just like trees, democratic institutions require constant care, commitment and collective responsibility to flourish.
“Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and we must do everything possible to nurture it,” he said.
Sulaiman noted that the legislature remained a critical arm of government because it represented the people’s votes and interests, adding that NILOWV’s decision to hold the event at NILDS demonstrated recognition of the institute’s role in strengthening legislative practice and democratic governance.
He expressed hope that Nigerian women would not only participate in elections but also be adequately represented in government and have their voices heard in policy decisions.
“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,” he said.
He commended NILOWV for using its 30th anniversary to promote democratic values, environmental sustainability and greater citizens’ participation, expressing optimism that the initiative would inspire stronger public involvement in elections and governance.
Earlier, the National President of NILOWV, Mrs Irene Ikyegh, said the organisation embarked on the exercise to mark its three decades of promoting women’s leadership, democracy and citizens’ participation while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Ikyegh said the organisation would plant 30 trees across three major democratic institutions, with 10 trees each at NILDS, the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
She explained that the institutions were deliberately selected because of their important roles in legislative development, lawmaking and the conduct of elections.
According to her, the initiative sends a strong message that environmental sustainability and democratic development require sustained commitment, responsibility and collective action.
The NILOWV president described tree planting as a simple but powerful investment in the future, noting that trees provide shade, improve air quality, protect the soil and help communities respond to the effects of climate change.
She urged members of the organisation and other Nigerians to ensure that the trees were properly nurtured, warning that planting without follow-up care could defeat the purpose of the exercise.
As NILOWV celebrates 30 years of service, Ikyegh said the organisation remained committed to empowering women, strengthening democracy and encouraging citizens to take an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The anniversary initiative, she added, was intended to leave a legacy of service, hope and responsibility, reminding Nigerians that building a better nation required deliberate action today for the benefit of generations yet unborn.
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