Ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State, the Women Group, under the auspices of the Ondo State Women Group, has advocated for a female deputy governorship candidate from all political parties in the race.Mrs. Tola Awo tasked women with acquiring academic knowledge to qualify them for elective and non-elective positions in the state and country..
“In the South West, only Ondo State, which prides itself on being the intellectual base of the region, is yet to provide an opportunity for a female deputy governor.
“After extensive deliberation during the Inaugural Meeting, we have resolved and demanded the nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates of all the participating political parties in the 2024 Governorship Election of Ondo State.
“An increased budgetary allocation for the State Ministry of Women Affairs.
“The justifiable agitation and legitimate demand, particularly regarding the nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates from all participating political parties, will persist until it is met and complied with by all political parties in the state.
“Using the unique Yoruba word ‘Odatiwa’ for inclusiveness while simultaneously confining women to the ‘other room’ is contradictory and unacceptable.
“A complete and total abandonment of all forms of discrimination—cultural, religious, and traditional—against the girl child in Ondo State.
“A more gender-sensitive and all-inclusive government policy and programme across all sectors.
“Full implementation of all gender balance-related legislation, including the National Gender Policy—Affirmative Action, by allotting 35 per cent of appointments in the public sector to women.
“Free and quality healthcare services for pregnant women and children under age 0–6.”
Prominent women in the state who were present at the meeting include Chief Mrs. Bola Eko-Davids, who represented the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.
Others include Aare Iyaloja Ondo State, Chief Mrs. Nike Aroloye, Mrs. Tola Awo, a former commissioner in the state, Chief Mrs. Adu Olufunke, Iyaloja General of APC, Jumoke Akorode, Abimola Osifeso, and Toying Akinmoyo, among others.
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