It’s time for a woman to represent Epe at state assembly —Kadri-Edu

Fatimot Kehinde Kadri-Edu is a human resources manager, scientist, trainer and a former vice chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. In this interview with LAOLU AFOLABI, the aspirant for Epe constituency 1 of Lagos State House of Assembly speaks on her preparation and plans for the constituency, if elected in 2019. Excerpts:

As a stakeholder in Epe politics in particular, what can you say about the performance of Governor Akinwumi Ambode?

I will score him distinction. The governor has been incredible. Before his emergence, we knew he would perform, but he has outperformed. He has been governing the state in what I can describe as ‘inclusiveness style’ of governance.

As you can see, government’s activities are ongoing in every part of the state. Talk of infrastructural development, social development, human development, including training, retraining, employment, amont others, the governor is, indeed, performing.

What are special features of Ambode’s government you would like to point out?

Importantly, what is special and what every Lagosian is enjoying is the governor taking governance to the grass roots. You don’t need to come to Ikeja Central nowadays before you can access things. For example, the Lagos fiesta, Christmas party, Ileya party, ongoing cinema, neighourhood, Cleaner Lagos, all these initiatives are present in every local government area in the state, including mini stadium in every council. That is incredible.

Does the governor have special consideration for women in his administration?

Yes, the governor is balancing the appointments. Also of importance is the part being played by the governor’s wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode. The woman is all out to support any woman aspiring for political position within the state, especially in Epe division of Lagos State.

She has organised many seminars for women in politics to build our courage to lead. She promises her support for any woman in her capacity. The 2017 edition of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Official (COWLSO) was a wake-up call for women to showcase our capacity in governance. At the conference, women were charged to be positively aggressive and assertive in words to contribute to the development of the nation. So, in her own way, she has been an encouragement for women to participate in nation building.

Do you want to contest for Lagos House of Assembly Epe constituency 1 seat in 2019?

Yes. By the grace of God.

What is your focus? What do you intend to achieve by contesting?

My main focus is to make and support laws that will be of benefit to my people and, more importantly, to agitate and facilitate developmental projects on behalf of my constituents to my constituency.

Has any woman represented Epe before?

No.

How do you want to achieve this feat?

I know it is a difficult task, but I believe it is surmountable. I have faith in God that He will make it easier for me. Not only that, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. So I believe with determination, perseverance and good mobilisation of my people, I should clinch the ticket of my party and eventually emerge victorious in the election.

Having served as vice chairman of Epe Local Government, between 2011 and 2014; member, local government executive meeting; supervisor for chieftaincy and cultural matters in the council and chairman, committee on Lagos State Boundary Adjustment Committee, Epe, among others, I am sure I have the wherewithal to emerge victorious.

Do you have any Epe woman in the state cabinet, legislative or local government cabinet now?

Not at all. The scene is dominated by males. I am, however, sure the 30 per cent affirmative action for women still remain intact in Epe Local Government.

Your advice for Lagosians over Ambode’s second term?

Everyone can testify to the good works of Mr Governor in this first time. I am imploring the people of the state to support him for a second term to consolidate on his achievements. He really deserves it.