By joshua 
Yagba West Local Government Area is perhaps one of the most sophisticated in Kogi State with a long history of many first. It may be easy to conclude that one of the reasons for the progressiveness is the early incursion of missionaries to the area. As far back as over 100years ago, the SIM missionaries had settled in the area bringing about rapid socio-economic development.
The people are very educated and it is home to the famous Titcomb College. Over the years, women in the Local Government Area has risen to prominence in business, politics and other facets of life. Some of these women include; Olori Magaret Orebiyi who is an educationist and politician and has served the state in various capacities, Barr Dolapo Abanida a lawyer and top politician who served as commisioner and SSG in Kogi State, Barr Funmi Abiodun who also served as Commisioner, Hon Mrs Onirinwa who is arguably to first woman to be the Secretary of the LGA as well as Vice Chairperson. Clearly, the list is long.
The Governor Yahaya Bello administration in the state is clearly pro women and youth. This inclusiveness and gender awareness has been greatly commended. However, the current Kogi State House of Assembly has no female representation, a situation that has put a question on the commitment if the governor to ensure gender balance. It is no surprise that Governor Yahaya Bello is providing right leadership by encouraging women to contest for seats in the HOA in 2023.
Yagba West LGA seem to to have embraced this opportunity with two of their illustrious daughters vying to represent the Constituency. Oluwatayo Shinkaiye Agboola from Eri Ward and Yemisi Oshaloto from Ignaruku/Iyamerin Ward are tow aspirants who are currently in the race.
Their aspirations has been greatly welcomed by women and youth in the local government. A cross section of women leaders in the Wards expressed great hope that one of these two emerges to represent the LGA.They said, “We need women in the civic life. We need women to be in the political space. We need to be at the table when decisions are being made so that the right decisions will be made.”
Which they strongly believe in the saying that “no women, no nation” and are hoping that these candidates will get the support of the party in order to provide a balanced representation.