The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made the case for increased participation of women in the governance process, reassuring that his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for more women to participate in politics.
Obaseki noted that women possess inherent leadership qualities that could provoke real and desirable changes in society, adding that his government will not marginalize women in political appointments into the new cabinet.
The governor, who spoke while addressing members and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Esan Central Senatorial District, said all nominations for political appointees must include women, and should be submitted latest Tuesday, June 15, 2021.
He said: “In all the nominations for various political positions, women should be included as they have done well in previous assignments.
“By the 15th of June 2021, I want you to get the list ready to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), for those that need to be confirmed. By the end of the month, all appointments should be in place to enable our administration to take off effectively.”
The governor continued: “We cannot continue to marginalize women in our politics. We must involve them in our government. I have worked with them and I know their value in politics. They have delivered in time past and I know that if given the chance and opportunity, they will do excellently well”.
In her response, Hon. Herberta Okonufua, thanked Obaseki for his position on the appointment of women into political positions in his administration.
She noted: “We have been a bit concerned that women were being left out in terms of political appointments. But we thank Governor Obaseki for changing the narrative, as he appointed women into his cabinet during his first term in office.
“We thought we would start campaigning for women in this dispensation in Edo politics, but Obaseki changed the narrative and set the template for more appointments of women into his government.”
“We assure you that as women, we will select the best brains to occupy political positions in your administration and you will never be disappointed,” Okonufua reassured.
