IWD: Peter Obi harps on inclusion of women in politics

In the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day, Labour Party presidential candidate in the just-concluded presidential election, Peter Obi, has reiterated the need for greater inclusion of women in the politics of the country.

Discussions abound on the significance of women participation in politics for greater development.

In the list of legislators-elect recently released by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the aftermath of February 25 National Assembly elections, only sixteen females emerged victorious, against the perennial calls for women inclusion in politics.

Tweeting in commemoration of the Day on Wednesday, Obi lamented the poor access of women to education and its implications for the country.

The former Anambra State governor, however, commended the role of women in various spheres of the country.

He wrote: “On this International Women’s Day Celebration, I restate my commitment to Gender Balance and Broad Inclusion of Women in Governance. International Women’s Day celebration provides us the opportunity to celebrate the social, economic and political contributions and achievements of women in society.

Read also:Group claims Peter Obi won Nigeria’s election, hails LP candidate

“I have always argued for adequate economic empowerment of women, in form of access to good education, proper health care delivery and poverty alleviation, which will enable them to contribute more to societal growth and development.

“Regrettably, girl-child school enrollment has remained poor in many parts of the country, with over 60 per cent of the out-of-school children in Nigeria being female.

“We must, therefore, ensure greater access to affordable and qualitative education for women in our society, so as to empower them to live more productive lives and play more meaningful roles in nation building.

“I sincerely appreciate all Nigerian women, and in a special way, all the women who have played different productive roles in the Obidient movement. I assure everyone that I would never relent in reclaiming the mandate given to me by the people.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now