Women
WOMEN across professions in Edo have been urged to join politics to amplify their voices, influence policy decisions, and strengthen inclusive governance structures.
Mrs Marie Oligbi-Edeko, Edo lawmaker, made the call on Wednesday in Benin at the maiden ‘Convergence of Women in Leadership and Impact Awards’.
The event, organised by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, brought together professionals, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing women’s leadership and political participation.
Oligbi-Edeko, representing Esan North East Constituency II, decried women’s underrepresentation in parliament, noting systemic barriers limiting their access to elective positions.
She said women were often restricted to mobilising political support for male candidates, rather than being encouraged to contest and occupy leadership roles.
She urged professional women to actively engage in politics, contest elections, and contribute meaningfully to governance and policy formulation.
“The issue of assigning women to mobilise for men should end; they must contest and hold positions to influence the political space,” she said.
She stressed that women’s voices matter and must be represented at decision-making tables to achieve fairness, equity, and sustainable development outcomes.
Coordinator of the Edo Office of Governor’s Wife, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, emphasised the urgency of increasing women’s representation across all tiers of government.
Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, represented by wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Nimata Ikhilor, said inclusive governance cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to empower women politically and economically.
According to her, women’s participation enhances policy diversity, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes balanced national development.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, highlighted the central role of women’s empowerment in nation-building and long-term societal progress.
She said women had consistently demonstrated resilience, courage, and leadership in shaping families, communities, and national development trajectories.
Founder of the league, Mrs Esther Uduehi, described the gathering as purposeful, impactful, and reflective of a shared commitment to women’s advancement.
Represented by Prof Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), a former Commissioner of Justice, she said the initiative demonstrated vision, coordination, and sustained advocacy for expanding women’s leadership opportunities.
The event featured recognition and awards for notable personalities who have contributed significantly to leadership, governance, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Honourees included Uduehi, Omorogbe, Oligbi-Edeko, Prof Lilian Salami, Elizabeth Akpata, and other female leaders.
Participants called for sustained advocacy, policy reforms, and institutional support to improve women’s access to political offices and leadership positions.
The event celebrated women’s achievements while reinforcing calls for greater inclusion, representation, and gender balance in governance across all sectors. (NAN)
A.I
April 2, 2026
Tags: Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani Mrs Marie Oligbi-Edeko