EKITI 2018: NGO CANVASSES MORE WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN ELECTORAL PROCESS

ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA,
ADO-EKITI

A non-governmental organisation, Balm in Gilead Foundation for
Sustainable Development (BIGIF) has advocated more women participation
in the electoral process in Ekiti State ahead of the July 14
governorship election in Ekiti State.

BIGIF Executive Director, Ms. Oluwatumininu Adedeji, stated this at a
one-day stakeholders’ interface with political parties, governorship
aspirants, security agencies, women groups, youth bodies. Civil
society and faith-based organisations held in Ado-Ekiti, the state
capital.

The parley was attended by representatives of law enforcement agencies
including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria security and Civil Defence
Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and Department of State Services.

The interface which has as its theme: “Campaign for Peaceful Electoral
Process and Ekiti Gender Agenda” was organised with the support of the
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Adedeji pointed out that ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during
and after the election is crucial to women participation and
representation in the political process hence the call for political
parties to pledge commitment to promoting the 35% affirmative action
in the state and strengthening the Ekiti State Gender and Development
Policy.

The Program Facilitator Dr. Bonnie Ayodele, a lecturer at the Ekiti
State University in his presentation established that the development
of the Nigeria society is hinged on the eradication of systemic
limitations against women and their full absorption in both public and
private life.

A gender advocate and development expert- Ms. Jumoke Idowu, in another
presentation stated that it is imperative to access the state’s gender
policy and agenda if women must have an avenue to contribute in
governance equitably.

The youngest governorship candidate in the July 14, 2018 governorship
poll, 36-year-old Mr. Tosin Ajibare noted that women inclusive
governance is the best bet for peace and development in Ekiti State.

Mr Kazeem Sanusi, a running mate of one of the political parties in
attendance enjoined citizens to shun money politics in their own
interest as making electoral decisions based on the amount of money
they receive from politicians is inimical to their lives and
generations.

Participants at the Program jointly called on all stakeholders to
contribute to the conduct of a peaceful July 14, 2018 Governorship
election in Ekiti State. They equally called on election stakeholders
especially the security agencies to ensure human rights are respected
as well as protected all through the process.