By Oyibo Salihu
National Orientation Agency (NOA) has charged women to take a bold step, ride over every obstacle and be determined to be part of political activities in the country.
Director-General of the agency, Mr Mike Omeri, gave the charge during a one-day sensitisation forum on Promoting Women Political Empowerment, Peace and Security in Nigeria in Lokoja, the Kogi state, at the weekend.
He pointed out that the dismal performance of women in politics had resulted in their absence at party formations, which, he said, had led to their low numbers in governance structures.
Omeri noted that the nation was marching again towards the 2015 general elections, saying the country would earnestly desire women at the three levels of political involvement.
Represented by the Director, Political and Civic Education Department at the agency, Mr Chukwudum Ike Afam, he urged women to register as members with any political party of their choice in order to have legitimacy to participate in party activities as well as governance, stressing that as women and mothers, it was imperative for them to be at the fore front of all peace initiative.
“Nigeria undoubtedly is blessed with brilliant, resourceful and intelligent women. The nation therefore needs your wealth of knowledge and experience to further consolidate and sustain the country democracy.”
In a paper entitled “Women Political Empowerment, Challenges and Prospects” delivered by Barrister Janet Ibidun Makun of Justice for Women and Children Centre, Lokoja, she lamented that in Kogi state participation of women in elective and appointive positions was still very low compared to other states in the country.
He added that for Senate, House of Representatives and chairmen of local governments’ positions in the state, no woman was given the opportunity to occupy any.