Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for increased participation of women in leadership and governance across Africa, stressing that the continent cannot achieve sustainable development while sidelining half of its population.
Key Highlights
- Diri in Gambia advocates greater inclusion of women in leadership positions across Africa.
- Bayelsa governor says Africa’s development depends on harnessing women’s talents and potential.
- Calls for the removal of cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in governance.
- Commends Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe for her contributions to women’s empowerment.
- Raises concerns over xenophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa.
- Yenagoa and Banjul sign sister-city agreement to strengthen cooperation.
- Governor Diri receives Key to the City of Banjul and awards for supporting women empowerment.
Governor Diri made the remarks during the unveiling of a book, magazine, and documentary celebrating the achievements of Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, the first female Mayor of Banjul, at the Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in The Gambia.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Diri described Lowe as an outstanding example of purposeful and inclusive leadership whose accomplishments continue to inspire women across Africa and beyond.
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According to the governor, African leaders must deliberately create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully at the highest levels of governance and public service.
“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,” Diri said.
The governor argued that many of Africa’s developmental challenges may be linked to the continent’s failure to fully integrate women into governance and critical decision-making processes.
He noted that women have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, compassion, and dedication to service across communities, institutions, and governments, yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when every segment of society has equal opportunities to contribute to nation-building.
“As governor, I am committed to expanding opportunities for women and young people in Bayelsa State because development is best achieved when everyone has a seat at the table and a stake in the future,” he stated.
Diri also urged African societies to abandon cultural practices and traditions that hinder women from attaining leadership positions.
He said the success story of Mayor Lowe demonstrates what can be achieved when women are empowered and given opportunities to lead.
“The book, documentary, and magazine being presented today serve as a benchmark of service and a reminder of what deliberate, citizen-centred leadership can accomplish,” he added.
The Bayelsa governor expressed concern over recurring xenophobic incidents targeting fellow Africans in South Africa, warning that such actions threaten the ideals of African unity and solidarity.
He said: “Such acts wound the fabric of Pan-African brotherhood that our forebears fought to build. When one nation suffers, our response must be guided by compassion, solidarity, and practical support.”
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a sister-city agreement between the Banjul City Council and Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The agreement was signed by Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe on behalf of Banjul and Mayor Bulodisiye Ndiwari representing Yenagoa.
Lowe also presented Governor Diri with the Key to the City of Banjul and other honours in recognition of his commitment to women empowerment and inclusive governance.
She praised the Bayelsa governor for his consistent support for women’s advancement, describing it as uncommon among many African political leaders.
The event attracted political leaders, business executives, women advocacy groups, and development partners from The Gambia, Senegal, Morocco, the United States, China, and Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries present were former Gambian Vice President Ousainou Darboe, Dakar Mayor Adama Sarr, representatives of the Rivers-Bayelsa Youth Community, and members of the Nigerian community in The Gambia.
Former Lord Mayor of Leeds, United Kingdom, Mrs. Abigail Marshall-Katung, who delivered the keynote address, described Lowe as a “living legend” whose leadership has elevated the profile of Banjul and The Gambia on the global stage.
