The Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, has announced that the 7th Assembly has successfully passed more than 30 people-oriented bills within two years of its inauguration.
Odunwa disclosed this on Saturday in Enugu during a Validation and Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill. The event was organized by the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) in partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), with financial support from UN Women and the Government of Canada.
According to the Speaker, the Ebonyi Assembly has remained focused on delivering impactful legislation that promotes development and inclusivity. He confirmed that the DEI Bill has already passed its first reading and would soon be presented for final passage.
“We are committed to passing the DEI Bill. The delay has only been to allow this validation meeting where every member can make useful inputs,” Odunwa stated.“Ebonyi has consistently led in enacting innovative, people-centered laws like the Prison Reform Bill, which earned the House a national award. For the DEI Bill, we only seek minor adjustments to ensure it remains inclusive and never oppressive.”
He further assured that the state government under Governor Francis Nwifuru has already taken steps toward promoting inclusivity and equity. “Before the year ends, the DEI Bill will be passed and transmitted to the Governor for assent,” he added.
WACOL, UN Women Advocate Inclusivity and Equal Representation
Speaking at the event, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), Founder and Executive Director of WACOL and a Professor of International Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the DEI Bill seeks to promote equal representation, inclusivity, and fairness across all sectors of society.
“This Bill aims to ensure that no group is left behind. It will strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in governance, social participation, and economic growth,” Ezeilo explained.
She added that the workshop was designed to holistically review the draft bill and guarantee that the interests of diverse communities are reflected before it becomes law.
Ebonyi First Lady Endorses DEI Bill
The Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, expressed full support for the DEI Bill, emphasizing that it would eliminate long-standing cultural and social barriers that restrict certain groups from reaching their full potential.
“Just as I have supported the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), I stand fully behind the DEI Bill because it will empower vulnerable groups and strengthen equality across Ebonyi State,” she said.
She appreciated WACOL, NILDS, and the Ebonyi Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their collaboration with the State Assembly to ensure the bill’s passage.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill aims to create an inclusive governance framework that promotes fairness, gender balance, and equal opportunity for all citizens of Ebonyi State. Once passed and assented to, it will establish a DEI Commission to oversee its full implementation.
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