-Deborah Akinyosoye
History was made at the House of Representatives as Isabel Anani presided over the plenary in the lower chamber.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas allowed Miss Isabel Anani, a 16-year-old gender advocate, to preside over the proceedings of the green chamber on Thursday to commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Girl Child.
The Speaker shared pictures of Anani taking charge of legislative business on his verified X handle, describing the session as unprecedented.
“Today, history was made on the floor of the House of Representatives when I symbolically allowed a 16-year-old advocate, Ms Isabel Anani, to preside over the plenary session, enabling her to conduct the session, the first of its kind in the history of the House of Representatives,” Tajudeen stated.
“It is part of the celebration for this year’s International Day for the Girl Child. Women’s inclusion and participation in governance is at the heart of the 10th House Legislative Agenda.
“As a pioneering voice on Nigeria’s Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing and UNICEF Young Influencer, Isabel’s passion ignites positive change. Selected through a rigorous nationwide search, Isabel’s leadership exemplifies the power of youth.”
According to the Speaker, Anani’s “remarkable journey will undoubtedly inspire” her peers and younger ones.
“Let us recognise Isabel’s achievement and celebrate the unwavering spirit of Nigerian girls who courageously pursue their dreams despite adversity,” he said.