Women Urged to Play a Pivotal Role in Governance for Societal Impact
By Mercy Obojeghren
ASABA/Nigeria: Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, the Wife of the Delta Governor and Founder of the ‘You Matter Charity Foundation,’ has called on women in Nigeria to reshape their presence in governance, with the aim of making a more significant impact on society.
She made this passionate plea during the grand finale of the one-week celebration marking Maryam Babagida Day in Asaba on Saturday, November 5, 2023.
Represented by Princess Ewoma Erijo, the Wife of the Chief of Staff of Delta, Mrs. Oborevwori emphasized the crucial necessity of increased female representation in leadership positions, citing its potential to bring about substantial development within the nation. She praised the late first lady, Maryam Babangida, as an exceptional figure who dedicated her life to serving humanity, particularly in empowering women and the less privileged.
Recalling the late Maryam Babangida’s extraordinary work, including her ‘Better Life Programme for Rural Women,’ Mrs. Oborevwori reaffirmed that her ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’ aligns with the current administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’ aimed at improving the lives of Delta State’s residents.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the State House of Assembly stressed the far-reaching benefits of women’s active involvement in governance, politics, and business. She highlighted the numerous positive outcomes that result from the economic and political empowerment of women, asserting that women’s education, health, nutritional status, political and economic influence directly impact the well-being of their children.
The lawmaker, who also chaired the Committee for the Maryam Babangida Day Celebration, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to continue enhancing the status of women in Nigeria. She underlined that achieving meaningful results requires collective efforts, encouraging women’s participation in governance, politics, and entrepreneurship through mentoring and training.
Paying tribute to the late Maryam Babangida, Anyafulu hailed her remarkable contributions to the development of Nigerian women, noting her initiation and execution of projects that mobilized women to play meaningful roles in nation-building.
Mrs. Pat Ajudua, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social and Community Development, described Maryam Babangida as one of the most visionary African women leaders. She praised the late first lady for dedicating her entire life to empowering and developing women and the less privileged.
In her paper titled “Giving New Impetus to Nigerian Women in Governance and Enterprise in Today’s Economy,” Prof. Patricia Mbah highlighted the essential role of women in leadership positions for fostering diverse perspectives and promoting inclusive decision-making. She stressed that women’s inclusion in leadership within the Nigerian government and industries is pivotal for sustainable development.
The call for greater female representation in governance and the celebration of Maryam Babangida’s enduring legacy serve as poignant reminders of the transformative potential women hold in shaping the future of Nigeria.
Source: NAN
