By Justina Auta
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has conferred awards on notable Nigerians for championing gender inclusion, supporting the reserved seat bill and increased women’s political participation in Nigeria.
Speaking at a dinner and award night in Abuja, Mrs Irene Awuna-Ikyegh, President, NILOWV, said the awards were in recognition of their support and also to encourage others to advocate for the passage of the bill.
The NILOWV president listed the awardees to include Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe; Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; and Gov. Abdrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State.
Others, according to her, are Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker, House of Representatives, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; Rep. Blessing Amadi; and Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), among others.
Awunah-Ikyegh added that the unveiling of the Esther Udehi Award of Excellence is to be won by notable Nigerian women annually for their passion and commitment towards promoting gender equality, empowerment and political participation.
“Today will go down in history to show that Nigerian women appreciate themselves and recognise the efforts of those who stood firm to support them,” she said.
Dr Esther Udehi, Founder, NILOWV, expressed concern over women’s low political representation in governance and emphasised the need to advocate for the passage of the bill to improve inclusivity.
Udehi appreciated all the supporters, urging Nigerians not to relent but to continue to advocate for the passage of the bill, which will improve national development.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, conferred as “Ambassador of Nigerian Women and Champion of Diversity and Inclusion”, noted the role women play in national development.
Abubakar, also the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NTRCN), reiterated their commitment to the passage of the bill, gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“I believe strongly, whatever you can do at your own level, you can equally do even better at the national level.
“So continue with the struggle, and in our own part, we will continue to be with you,” he said.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, represented by Mrs Ola Erinfolami, her Special Adviser and Director of Administration, said the bill will promote equity and inclusion.
Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman, IPAC, urged women to believe in themselves and support one another to succeed.
“The struggle for women’s inclusion in the past was championed by women, but today it has been taken over by men who believe that women must take the driver’s seat of the socio-political and economic activities of this country.
“I urge the women to first believe in themselves. You can’t win any fight if you don’t win within. You must believe you can for you to drive it.
“The women should believe they can. You can; if you constitute about 50 per cent of the population of this country, you should know that no man can win an election without the woman.
“Drop political party affiliation, woman for woman, vote and support yourselves for a better society,” he said. (NAN) www.nannewsng.com
Edited by Peter Amine
