“Only One Woman Had Ever Represented Ondo State At National Assembly”- Hon. Omowunmi Ohwovoriole
...Calls For More Women Inclusion in Governance In Ondo State
By Collins Dupson, 21 January, 2022
One of the aspirants to the House of Representatives for Akure South/Akure North Federal constituency under the All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole has expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent relegation of women in Ondo State politics buttressing her position that there is only one female legislator in the state assembly with less enthusiasm to entrust women with key political responsibilities.
She lamented the unacceptable narratives during her campaigns across the Wards in the Akure South/AkureNorth Local Government areas in Ondo State.
The Princess also challenged women in Ondo State to rally support for their counterparts to realize the zenith of their political ambition in the state.
According to Hon. Omowunmi, the current national representation of women belittles their potentials in political participation as Nigeria regrettably maintains 6.7 percent in elective and appointive positions far below the global best practices.
“Out of the 36 recently confirmed ministerial appointments only six are women representing 16.7percent. In the national assembly, women constitute 5.6percent of members of the house of representatives and 6.5 percent of senators”, she added.
The aspirant while making a case for improved women inclusion in governance as a matter of utmost importance and as a crucial discourse for political leaders and development, urged all stakeholders most especially political parties to demonstrate the strong will to reset the equation.
While noting that women have proved their mettle and excelled in leadership citing notables among whom are Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, DG, WTO, Her Excellency, wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolui, Princess Oladunni Odu, Ondo State SSG, Hon. Omowunmi however feels uncomfortable with only one woman Hon. Febisola Adeyemi that had ever represented Ondo State at the National Assembly.
“I am the only female among the contestants and I am optimistic that this is going to be a time for a woman to emerge. I always tell people, women are the best managers you can find and they are passionate. Women are home builders and I say a home that collapses is a home that a woman has lost interest in its stability. If a woman is given the opportunity, it will go a long way in stabilizing the polity and it is going to help in lifting other women because in the last 21 years or more, we have had just a woman in the House of Representative. It is not going to be a bad idea to give one out of the nine positions to a woman”, she further stressed.
The philanthropist called on political parties to emplace fairness and equity as guiding principles in future selection process to accord women a deep sense of belonging.
