BENIN CITY – The wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki has warned Nigerian politicians never to neglect women in politics especially as we approach 2019 general election as they are instrumental in winning elections.
She made the call at the 2018 Alaghodaro Edo Women Summit, one amongst several activities lined up to celebrate the second year anniversary of Godwin Obaseki led administration.
“You neglect a woman, you loose election. Election is round the corner, women are important in the political space and if you neglect them be ready to loose election. Take this message across Nigeria and tell our politicians never to neglect women or else they will loose election”.
She stressed that the new awakening for women across Nigeria is advocating for them to occupy political position in governance, urging the women to present themselves for political position in the State.
“We had never had it this good in the State but for this present administration that has created political position across the 192 wards in the State ensuring women get a fair share of political power”.
The Governor’s wife commended her husband for recognizing the potentials of women in the state and creating the opportunity for them to be part of his administration.
Betsy thanked the women from the 18 local government areas of Edo State stressing that the event is organized to celebrate Edo women and show to the world that Edo women are strong forces to be reckoned with.
She noted that Edo women have great potentials and have assisted the present administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State.
“The women gathered here today are from various political parties, profession and vocation, and it shows women stands as one in the state and we are united”.
Betsy Obaseki disclosed that about 100 Edo women have been empowered with N50,000 each to boost their businesses in the state as the State Government in collaboration with Federal Government and the bank of industry prepares to officially roll out trader money and market money across the State very soon.
“The highest numbers of beneficiaries of Federal Government financial inclusion scheme in various States is about 30,000 but I have for about 50,000 for Edo women and the scheme will be rolled out soon”.
Welcoming guest to the Edo Women Summit, the Commissioner for women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen commended the Obaseki led administration for addressing gender gap in the State.
“To demonstrate Mr Governor’s confidence in the women he appointed a Special Adviser on gender. Inaugurate 18 Senior Special Assistant (SSA) from the 18 local government area of Edo State to drive the policy of inclusiveness”.
The high point of the event was a presentation of Civil Service Emeritus Award to retiring Head of Service (HOS) Mrs Gladys Idahor for her contribution to the growth of Edo State Civil Service.
36 women, two from each local government area in the State went home with community mobilization award while prizes was also given to local government that came first, second and third during the match pass at the event.
