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We commend the Governor-Elect Prince Dapo Abiodun for starting well by selecting a competent, cerebral and capable woman with character as his Deputy. We are also confident of his pedigree and the value/based business acumen he will bring to governance. This is reflective of the priority he has given to the economy with the composition of an Economic Transition Committee.
Howewer, the 22 persons Economic Transition Committee recently constituted does not reflect INCLUSION or fair REPRESENTATION of the over 50 % of women population in Ogun state. This contradicts a statement alluded to the Governor-Elect saying “Ogun State is blessed with an abundance of human resources in all fields of endeavor and this is reflected in the array of distinguished sons and daughters who have volunteered their skills, rich and diverse experience and vast network to work on this important assignment. Furthermore, our commitment to provide an inclusive Government is expressed in the composition of the committee.”
Above statement is either an attempt to misrepresent the fact or a gross negligence of the achievements, capacity and contribution of women from Ogun state in nation building. The number of persons that constitute a transition committee remains at the prerogative of the Governor-Elect and the 22- persons Economic Transition committe could have accommodated more women.
We acknowledge that political realities of governance in Nigeria calls for the management of different interest groups and identities. We also understand that the Governor-elect can only choose from available volunteers with capacity to contribute to achieving his objectives. However, we urge the Governor-elect and his team to make a deliberate attempt when making future appointments and cast the net wider to reach out to women of Ogun both at home and in the diaspora in the task of taking Ogun state to the next and a higher level.
Gender mainstreaming remains pivotal if we are serious about inclusion and good governance. Nothing but intentional and deliberate action is acceptable for women empowerment and political inclusion. What the Women of Ogun State and Nigeria are clamouring for is a voice on the table and not a whisper.
We therefore urge the Governor-Elect to adopt the 35% affirmative action policy as he gears up for his inauguration on 29th of May 2019.
Women radio as a stakeholder in the Nigerian project and with keen interest and location in Ogun state is ready to work with the Dapo Abiodun led team to mainstream women as drivers of sustainable development in Ogun state.
Once again we congratulate the Governor-elect Prince Dapo Abiodun for his victory at the polls and wish him and his team success as they set out on their next level agenda for Ogun state.
Women Radio 91.7
www.wfm917.com
