‘Ibukun and the People’ premieres in Abuja under Side by Side Naija to push for women’s parliamentary representation
By DANJUMA AMODU
The Nigeria office of UN Women, alongside diplomats, civil society groups, and Nollywood stars, has intensified pressure for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill with the premiere of a new advocacy film aimed at confronting the persistent exclusion of women from Nigeria’s political leadership.
“We need more women at the table when decisions that affect them are made. That is what the movie is advocating.”
— Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS
The film, Ibukun and the People, was screened at the weekend in Abuja under the Side by Side Naija campaign as part of efforts to mobilise nationwide support for increased women’s representation in parliament and decision-making positions.
The production, supported by UN Women, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Government of Canada, brought together actors, development partners, women’s groups, civil society organisations, media practitioners, and advocates of inclusive governance.
Featuring prominent Nollywood stars including Ivie Okujaiye, Uzee Usman, and Joke Silva, the movie highlights the structural barriers, intimidation, stereotypes, and political exclusion confronting women seeking elective offices in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to deepen conversations around gender inclusion and strengthen advocacy for the Special Seats Bill.
She said women’s inclusion in governance must be seen as a national development imperative rather than an act of charity. Eyong urged Nigerians to look beyond the entertainment value of the production and confront the realities women continue to face in politics, expressing optimism that the movie would inspire broader support for women seeking political office. She also commended the actors and production crew for volunteering their talents.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, described women’s participation in politics as an urgent democratic priority, noting that storytelling remains a powerful tool for driving policy conversations and social change. She said the film aligns with ongoing advocacy for affirmative action and could help accelerate reforms that promote inclusive governance.
Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, said reserved seats remain one of the practical pathways for improving women’s representation in Nigeria’s political system. He stressed that broader political reforms and education were equally critical in addressing gender imbalance in leadership.
Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, said gender equality promotes peace, social justice, and sustainable development, noting that inclusive governance benefits society through improved stability and economic progress.
The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, reaffirmed the commitment of UN agencies to supporting the passage of the Special Seats Bill to boost women’s representation in governance.
Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, urged women to sustain grassroots mobilisation and remain united in the campaign for increased political participation.
Women’s rights advocate Ene Obi said the proposed legislation would help correct Nigeria’s political imbalance and create opportunities for women to contribute more meaningfully to national development. She called on men and key stakeholders to actively support the bill and champion the inclusion of women in leadership.
President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, described the bill as a crucial affirmative action measure needed to deepen democracy and empower women politically.
The National President of the National Council of Women Societies, Edna Azura, commended the organisers and young filmmakers for deploying cinema as a platform for social advocacy and democratic inclusion.
Director of the film, Patience Ejoke-Ogedegbe, said the movie sends a strong message that competent women should no longer be intimidated, blackmailed, or discouraged from contesting political positions.
Actor Uzee Usman, who played a senator in the film, stressed the need to encourage and support more women to seek elective office. Lead actress Ivie Okujaiye said the production would inspire women to challenge stereotypes and resist intimidation while pursuing leadership positions.
Guests at the screening praised the movie’s production quality, storyline, and performances, describing it as socially impactful and politically relevant.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to actors and advocates in recognition of their contributions to gender equality and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
