Yobe assembly holds retreat in Kano on bill to establish diversity, equity, inclusion Commission

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The 24 members of Yobe State House of Assembly have stormed Kano State for a technical retreat on a bill for a law to establish Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission.

PEOPLES DAILY reports that the bill, which has already passed second reading, seeks to promote equitable representation, ensuring parity in opportunities, entrenching social justice, and prohibiting all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized communities.

The retreat was organized  by Women Advocate Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), with the support from UN Women through the Canada Global Affairs.

Speaking at the opening of the one-way technical support retreat, held in Kano on Monday, the Speaker of the House, RT. Hon. Chiroma A. Buba said the Commission, when established, would help ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, disability, background, or social status are accorded equal respect and opportunity in every sphere of life.

Buba noted that as members of the Yobe State House of Assembly, they are duty-bound to ensure that laws reflect the values of fairness, justice, and equality to all in the state.

The Speaker explained that the bill had already passed first and second reading, adding that after the retreat, the assembly would open public hearing sessions on the bill across the state’s three senatorial zones.

According to Buba, the assembly would ensure that all inputs are out in place for the success of the bill that would lead to the establishment of the Commission.

He pointed out that the proposed Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission represents a bold and progressive step in the assembly’s collective efforts to build a just, inclusive, and egalitarian society.

The Speaker therefore urged the members to approach the discussions with open minds and a shared commitment to the betterment of our State, charging the members to listen, learn, and deliberate constructively to shape a law that will stand as a legacy of our collective resolve to foster unity through equity.

He commanded WARDC for organizing the retreat , which he described as timely and essential engagement, adding that “your dedication to advancing inclusive governance, social justice, and equity is deeply commendable.”

“The proposed Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission represent a bold and progressive step in our collective efforts to build a just, inclusive, and egalitarian society.

“The Bill seeks to serve as a catalyst and platform for promoting equitable representation, ensuring parity in opportunities, entrenching social justice, and most importantly, prohibiting all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups—women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized communities.

“As Honourable Members of the Yobe State House of Assembly, we are duty-bound to ensure that our laws reflect the values of fairness, justice, and equality.

“The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission, when established, will help ensure that all individuals—regardless of gender, disability, background, or social status—are accorded equal respect and opportunity in every sphere of life,” Speaker Buba said.