A Non-Governmental, Kogi Women Constituency lead has called on the incoming administration to include more Women in governance to have a reformed Kogi State.
The group made the call on Wednesday at a meeting with candidates for the Kogi Governorship election and signing of the Women Charter of Demand held in Lokoja.
In her opening remarks, the Kogi State Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Barr. Ajuma Okolo noted that, as critical stakeholders in the electioneering process, the group has a common goal to advance the women’s agenda in the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
Okolo posited the importance of garnering support for women in their pursuit of public office, highlighting the necessity for their participation in decision-making bodies. He stressed that women’s voices should be well-represented in such institutions.
Explaining further, the FIDA Chairperson said “Women, who make up a significant portion of the population, are instrumental in shaping the future of our state. Our contributions, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable and must be recognized and celebrated.
“In the upcoming gubernatorial elections, it is not just a political contest; it is a crucial opportunity for us to make our voices heard and our priorities clear. The women’s agenda isn’t about exclusion; it’s about ensuring that our concerns, aspirations, and needs are addressed effectively by those who hold public office.
“It is essential that we, as women, come together and work in harmony to inculcate the women’s agenda into the heart of Kogi State’s political landscape”.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Coordinator, Young Women in Politics Forum, Barr. Joy Akinola appealed to key actors to ensure that there was no violence before, during and after the election.
Her words “Women in Kogi State have been subjected to all forms of violence in previous elections which does not speak well for our nascent democracy. The killing of Salome Abuh and the recent incident in Koton Karfe are still fresh in our memories. Women should be protected and not killed. We are happy that the candidate present in today’s occasion signed a peace accord and promised that there will be no violence and it will be an issue-based campaign”.
Akinola, however, appealed to Women in Kogi State to come out en mass and vote for the Candidate of their choice, adding that they should not engage in any act that would affect the future of their children.
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