Tuesday October 18, 2022
Members of the Oyo State PDP Female Aspirants have called for more women participation in governance and politics as the nation approaches 2023 general elections.
The group which consist of some aspirants and candidates in the coming elections emphasised the need for more women inclusion in governance in the state and Nigeria.
They made this call in Ibadan recently at an interactive session with journalists, commended Gov Makinde for ensuring a conducive environment for women politicians to thrive.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, Dr. (Mrs.) Joke Adekanmbi-Akinseye who also contested during the PDP primary elections in Ibadan North East/ South East constituency said members of the forum decided not to leave the party but contribute their own quota to the electoral victory of his leader, Governor Makinde and all PDP candidates in Oyo State.
“We know our governor has done very well, and because of that, we want to support him for a second term in office as one good turn deserves another.
“We want to bring women of different classes together under one common goal. Why did we do that? We have learnt our lessons. Out of 18 of us, only two of us were able to secure ticket for the next general election, while 16 of us didn’t get the chance. Although we didn’t pick the ticket, we are not failure, but successful women. That’s why we came together.
“We want other women out there who don’t know whether to be on politics or not, the elites, the professionals, lecturers, doctors, nurses, artisans and market women who want to aspire to come out and join us now because we are storming 2027.
“Our plans and our key objectives are as follows: we want to include more women in the political process and enhance gender equality in the political structure. We have seen in the party politics in Oyo State that women have been sidelined, but we want to change that scenario. We want to change mindset of men that there’s a group of women that has come to stay and participate in party politics and governance.
“We want to put our full weight behind any emerging female candidate of our party, and thank God we have two candidates already. We are putting our weight fully behind them. We want to break down the barriers affecting our women that do not allow them to fully participate in politics such as funding and cultural biases.
“We will also be providing training for women candidates in such skills that will enhance their success and victory at the polls. We will advance for international recognition by partnering with international agencies who are interested in women representation in politics and governance and we know so many of them abroad.
“We want market women to send their children to be part of us, to aspire to be something in the politics and governance of Oyo State.
“We all know that no country survives without women engagement. Women have potential, women are powerful, we need women representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversities and abilities across all cultural and socio-economic and political situations in Nigeria, especially in Oyo State.
“We still need that bold and decisive action to bring women into the heart of decision making,a life member and as full partners. There is no doubt this can, and should be done now.
“So we are inviting professionals out there from various sectors to come and join us. They can contact and become part of us.” Dr. Adekanmbi-Akinseye stated.
Also corroborating, Honorable Ramota Agberemi-Dabo said although some members of the group didn’t win the primary election, they are still happy to be in politics and especially to be in the PDP because they have been able to make a difference.
She commended Governor Makinde for giving women boldness and voice to come out and participate in politics in this crucial time in the country.
Agberemi-Dabo, who highlighted the Makinde-led achievements in the last three years, said they have been able to boldly participate in politics because of the governor’s achievements.
She also thanked the governor for appointing some of the aspirants who lost in the primary election, for paving the way for women and for allowing women to stand up, to talk and be heard.
“When we talk of change, there is always a barrier we women are facing. We are trying to break that glass cylinder. We are trying to bring in our fellow women to let them know.
“Yes, there are challenges, the stigma, the labelling, the security and funding challenges and so on, but at the end of the day, things are changing and so all those are coming behind us. Agberemi-Dabo said.
She urged all women to join the group, stressing that they should dump the misconception that politics is dirty. She stated that all human lives revolve around politics and governance
Reacting to why the women refused to leave the PDP after losing their bid to secure tickets as the norm in Nigerian politics, Agberemi-Dabo said they believe in change, adding that anybody looking for change would not want anything in exchange but rather give his best.
“Yes we want to be compensated, appreciated and honoured, but we want to eradicate the labelling, the rejection and the stigma against women. For change to happen, one has to start. That’s why we are here.” She added.
Honourable Bisi Oyewo-Michael in her submission charged women to come out, join hands and participate in politics as there is need for more women participation in governance. She appreciated Governor Makinde for giving women recognition in his government.
One of the women who was lucky to secure ticket, Honourable Olufunke Comforter charged all women to be their sister’s pillar of support, stressing that there is need to balance the man-woman ratio in politics and governance. She urged men to allow their wives and daughters to participate in politics as this, according to her will go a long way to liberate women in the country.
Some of the women from different local government areas, wards and constituencies were at the event include Dr. (Mrs.) Joke Adekanmbi-Akinseye, Honorable Ramota Agberemi-Dabo, Honourable Olufunke Comforter, Honourable Eniola Chritabel and Honourable Bisi Oyewo-Michael among many other dignitaries.
OYO STATE PDP FEMALE ASPIRANTS & CANDIDATES FORUM (G18)
Female Aspirants/ Candidates
- Hon. Dr Joke Adekanmbi- Akinseye – Ibadan north east/southeast – HOR
2.Hon Ramata Aderemi Debo – Lagelu/Akinyele —HOR
- Hon Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu -Ibadan north —HOR
- Hon Toyin Balogun – Ibadan north …, HOR
- Hon Nike Dairo – Ibadan north east —OYHA
- Hon Bisi Oluranti Oyewo Michael – Ogbomosho – Candidate
- Hon Comforter Olufunke Olajide – Ibadan north constituency 1- Canidate
- Hon Aminat Iyabo Kobiowu – Ibadan south east —OYHA
- Hon Adeola Lawal – onaara—OYHA
- Hon Rukayat Lamidi – Akinyele OYHA
- Hon idayat Olorode – Oyo west..OYHA
- Hon Oluwa FatimohAtobatele – Lagelu -OYHA
13, Hon Bello Mujidat folashade – Ibadan south east -OYHA
- Hon Eniola Christabel – Lagelu -OYHA
- Hon Taiwo Shakira – kajola OYHA
- Hon Tabitha Salaudeen – Oyo east/west OYHA
- Hon Olaide Adija Adedeji – Ibadan south East.. OYHA
- Hon olukemi Adeyemi, oluyole l
OYHA
