Earlier this week, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu attended the NAIDOC 2025 Reception and Film Screening in Abuja, commemorating the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee celebration. The event featured the screening of “Freeman,” a powerful documentary that highlights the inspiring story of Cathy Freeman, a proud Australian woman and Olympic 400m champion. Her strength, vision, and legacy resonate with this year’s NAIDOC theme and serve as a source of motivation for future generations.
During the event, the Deputy Speaker reiterated his strong belief in the capacity of women to deliver results when provided with the right opportunities. This conviction ties into the ongoing discussion surrounding the Reserved Seats Bill, which aims to enhance women’s representation in leadership and governance. He urged all stakeholders to rally behind this critical piece of legislation, with the objective of increasing female representation in the national parliament from the current rate of less than 4% to at least 10%.
The Deputy Speaker also commended the Australian High Commission, led by Her Excellency Leila Bin-Juda, for her exemplary commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual progress between Nigeria and Australia. His participation in the event reflects a dedication to advancing important social issues, particularly those that support women’s empowerment and representation.
