From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Effective reorientation and education through community outreach programmes by women representatives in the parliament or in other areas of governance are veritable avenues to arouse the political interest of the womenfolk in Nigeria.
A member representing Efon Constituency in the seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Bosede Olowookere Oluwasola, expressed this view during a constituency outreach programme she organized in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and UN Women, for her constituents in Efon Local Government Area of the state.
The lawmaker who is the Chief Whip of the House said the event tagged,” Female Legislators Constituency Outreach”, was to give back to her people who were responsible for the mandate that paved the way for her to be in the parliament, adding that it was also to educate the womenfolk and drive home the point that politics should not be only men’s affair.
Describing Efon Local Government as the “heartbeat” of Ekiti State, she unveiled that she was the first lawmaker to hold such outreach in the annals of the constituency.
Hon. Oluwasola explained that it would equally be a forum to give account of stewardship and feedback. In other words, to connect and interact with her constituents on issues that have fundamental bearing on them and at the end reflect commitment to accountability and participatory representation, promising that she would ensure that,” this type of engagement translates into tangible benefits to all.”
She listed some of her achievements for the past one year of her representation to include, effective representation of her people where she contributes and always keep abreast of proceedings. Participation in law-making and constituency services to her constituents by presenting their needs to the House for attention.
Others are, securing employment for the people, facilitating education opportunities, provision of social amenities, supporting religious causes in cash and kind for both Christianity and Islamic faith, embarking on various empowerment initiatives that cut across genders and ages, among others.
The guest speaker, the Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, represented by Mr Olusola Omojo, described the Institute as the research and capacity building arm of the National Assembly. According to him, “when it comes to women in governance or participation, it is obvious that women are not doing very well when compared to other countries”.
He said the National Assembly can only boast of four per cent of women representation, hence, “this type of programme is to project female politicians both at the National and State parliamentary levels to provide them the platform to interact with their constituents”.
Mr Omojo believed that women in Nigeria should be encouraged to participate in politics. He urged women not to stay away in politics or think that politics is only the domain of the men. ” Women should be involved in political activities, attend political meetings and not be deterred by religious or cultural barriers”.
The traditional ruler of Efon Alaaye kingdom, Oba (Dr) Emmanuel Aladejare, represented by High Chief Dada Samuel, poured encomiums on Hon. Oluwasola, pointing out that she is a good ambassador of her constituency. The monarch remarked that the legislator has been addressing the needs of the people and that the community is in support of her in case she gunning for a return to the Ekiti Assembly.
Chairman, All Progressives Congress(APC) Efon Local Government, Hon. Ojo Idowu Michael, noted that the programme was an excellent outing that would have positive impact on the women. The council boss underscored that the lawmaker is fulfilling her electioneering promises, thereby justifying the electorate’s mandate. He said,” like Oliver Twist, we plead for a return ticket to the House for her”.
A Senior Special Assistant on Education to the state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Adebanjo canvassed the need for the lawmaker to be taken to a higher pedestal in the nation’s politics considering what he referred to as her excellent performance at the domestic level.
Others in attendance included religious leaders, market women and men, women association, political supporters, representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, artisans, physically-challenged, students’ union, the old and the young as well as other segments of the society.