Admin l Tuesday, May 23, 2017
LAGOS, Nigeria – One week after the launch of the Amazons Watch Magazine’s Most-Impactful-Governor’s-Wife Poll, the wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Mariya Tambuwal is taking the lead with 73.5% of the total votes cast.
The on-going online poll is part of the magazine’s strategic efforts to spur and encourage a more aggressive commitment and efforts on the part of the Wives of Nigerian State Governors towards improving the social, economic and political status of Nigerian women and the society at large.
Hajiya Tambuwal who makes an impact in the lives of the people of Sokoto state through the Foundation- Mariya Tambuwal Development Initiative (MTDI), is closely trailed in the poll by Dr. Zainab Bagudu of Kebbi State, with 11.8%; while the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode is maintaining the third position with 10.3% of the votes cast, as at press time.
The “First Lady” is an informal and unconstitutional, but accepted title in Nigeria, held by the wife of the President and State Governors of Nigeria. They are the exemplification of grace, magnificence and influence, renowned as true partners of their spouses- the Governors’ visions, and role model of excellence for women in their respective states and in the nation.
Over the years, the activities of Wives of Nigerian State Governors have remarkably turned from the traditionally ceremonial role into a potent force for women and grass root development, promoting and protecting the rights of women, eliminating all forms of repugnant practices as well as violence against women and the enhancement of their living standards.
The poll is being organized with the aim of examining and shining the spotlight on the various impactful activities of the Wives of Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The magazine nominated 12 Nigerian State First Ladies in the poll, using popularity, impact and sustainability as criteria. The other 9 nominees up for voting are: Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano of Anambra State; Mrs. Olufunso Amosun of Ogun State; Mrs. Rashida Bello of Kogi State; and Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.
Hajiya Ummi El Rufai of Kaduna State; Dr Lynda Ayade of Cross River State; Hon. JusticeEberechi Suzzette Wike of Rivers State; Mrs. Florence Ajimobi of Oyo State; and Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha of Imo State; are also on the list for voting.
The Governor’s Wife to emerge the winner in the poll will be featured in an exclusive and extensive interview to be included in a special edition that will be published and showcased at the margins of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly New York by September 2017 during the First Ladies on a Mission Forum.
In the same vein, the winner will be further celebrated with a Global Impact Award, in recognition of the visible impact and significant contributions to the well-being of women, as well as her selfless service to humanity: while others to emerge among the Top 3, as well as the other nominees for the poll will also receive a commendation award.
