Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has received international commendation for his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, with the Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe.
She described the governor as a strong ally of women in leadership.
She spoke during a diplomatic visit to the Government House in Yenagoa yesterday.
Lowe, the first and only female mayor in The Gambia, praised Diri as a “champion of women”.
She said his leadership offers a practical model for inclusive governance across Africa.
Lowe, who serves as President of the African Mayors and Local Government Councillors Association, stressed the importance of male allies in advancing women’s participation in governance.
Reflecting on her own experience breaking cultural and political barriers, she noted that meaningful progress would only be achieved when leaders move beyond rhetoric and take deliberate steps to support women.
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“In Africa, we need leaders who believe in women and create space for them to thrive,” she said.
“If we have brothers and leaders who say, ‘I want women by my side,’ then we will continue to rise. African women are proud of you.”
Lowe, who has been recognised by the United Nations for her advocacy work, also extended an invitation to Diri for an upcoming summit in Banjul.
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The event will feature a documentary and book launch highlighting the resilience and achievements of African women in leadership.
Gender inclusion
In his response, Diri said his administration’s approach to gender inclusion was rooted in fairness and merit, not token representation.
He explained that empowering women strengthens governance and national development.
The governor insisted that structural barriers, particularly political intimidation and violence—must be addressed to create a truly level playing field.
“We believe in creating opportunities for women, not by lowering standards, but by ensuring they can compete and succeed,” he said.
The diplomatic engagement drew a high-level delegation from the government, underscoring the importance attached to regional and international collaboration.
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Those present include Peter Akpe, Deputy Governor, Oforji Oboku, Member of the House of Representatives(Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Michael Ogbere, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Mayor of Yenagoa.
Also in attendance were several state lawmakers and commissioners, reflecting a unified stance by the state government on strengthening partnerships across Africa.
