By joshua 
Women Ask To Get Involve In Political Participation With Greater Inclusion
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The need for Women in different professions to join the political terrain as to have their voices heard in the decisions making in the country has been emphasised.
RT. Honourable Marie Omozele Oligbi-Edeko Esq., member representing Esan North East Constituency 11 in the Edo State House of Assembly stated this on Wednesday while speaking as the guest speaker , at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, at the
maiden edition of “Convergence of Women in Leadership and Impact Awards” (COWLIA 0.1), organized by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Edo State Chapter
“Making women to mobilise for the men to win elections,playing the role of just a mobiliser by gathering women and youth to push the way for men is never at their advantage”.
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It is appalling to see women’s representation very scanty, so they need to rise ,come into politics and bring in professionalism to have a say in the political dispensation
The event, themed “From Purpose to Platform: How Women Rise, Lead and Create Impact,” celebrated the achievements and contributions of women in leadership.
According to Marie Omozele Oligbi-Edeko Esq., ” the issue of giving women the role of mobilising for men should not be, instead they should be allowed to contest and pick up positions that will make them have a say in the political dispensation.” She stated.
The honourable member added that , women voices matters, women must come to decisions making table and inclusive leadership.
She lamented the gross underrepresentation of women in the Nigeria parliament, “they made women to mobilise for the men to win elections, the earlier the women wakes up the earlier the better.Encourage professional women to come into politics and they need to come together.she added.
Oligbi- Edeko, stated further that,
Women are intimidated, harassed, detracted by laws made by human beings and also financially not in a good position, so women are not on the decision making table.
She urged the ministry of women’s affairs, information to spread their campaign to women in rural areas to enlighten them on the need to come out and get involved in political positions.
Hon Oligbi- Edeko added that the bill which is meant to increase the quota of women in Governance in Nigeria is still in the House of Representative while party primaries are a few months away.
The Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who was represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, emphasized the urgent need to increase women’s representation at all levels of governance, noting that women’s participation is essential for inclusive and sustainable development.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment in nation-building. She noted that women have consistently demonstrated courage and leadership in shaping families, communities, and nations.
In her remarks, the founder of NILOWV, Rt. Hon. Dame Esther Uduehi who was represented by the former Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and member of NILOWV, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe SAN, described the gathering as purposeful, noting that it reflected strong vision, coordination, and commitment to advancing women’s leadership.
The event featured an award ceremony to several personalities like, Et. Honourable Same Esther Uduehi, Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, RT.. Honourable Marie Oligbi- Edeko Esq., Prof.Lilian Imuetinyan Salami , Elizabeth Active, OKpebholo Anani and others.