150 women groups write Gov Dapo Abiodun, want more women in Ogun cabinet

Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, July 31, 2019

LAGOS, Nigeria – Not less than 150 women groups have written an open letter to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun intimating the governor of plans to stage unprecedented protest in Ogun State on Thursday over continued marginalisation of women in ongoing appointment of Nigerians into cabinet positions.

They will be marching on the Government House at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta to register their grievance over ongoing appointment in clear disregards for women in Nigeria. The women are demanding for just 35 percent representation in cabinet.

“We are concerned by the continued marginalization of women in leadership positions in the country and hereby request your Excellency to consider appointing 35% representation of women in the cabinet that will lead your agenda in the state. We also urge you to consider other social groups including the youth and people with disabilities”, the women said in a statement by representatives of the 150 groups.

The women described appointment exercise as a critical tool to steer affairs of the state towards a desirable and sustainable future, in support of the state towards the achievement of 2030 Global agenda.

“The state has always been the gate way and leads historically in progressive developments and we will not expect something less from this present government. We are aware that there are several eminently qualified female indigenes of the state for all the sectors and call on your esteemed self to consider these eminently qualified female citizens to position the state appropriately and support your agenda for a better state.

“Taking this step, will not only position your government as a gender friendly party but it will go a long way in placing Ogun State in the comity of states in Nigeria as a leader committed to gender equality and women’s participation in power and decision making. It will set a precedent for other governments across the country and increase the gender rating of Nigeria”, the groups said.

They called on Prince Dapo Abiodun to listen to the yearning of the people and support a pro-people government that portrays representation that is above board and can support development.

“Take Notice Sir, that the Women Groups and concerned citizens will undertake a solidarity WALK to your office on Thursday, 1st of August 2019”, they said in a statement signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Chairperson, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)Co-Convener, More Women Campaign, Nigeria and Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
on behalf of Ms. Mojisola Akinsanya, Executive Director, Women for Peace & Gender Equality Initiative Coordinator, Civil Society Coalition on SDG (Ogun State) and Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director, Partners West Africa – Nigeria.