**Demands that women be given equal opportunity in leadership
Political Leaders in Nigeria should use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir to reflect on ways to restore the people’s confidence in the Nigerian project, Former Presidential aspirant on the platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Professor Benedicta Egbo has urged.
She had observed that years of poor leadership and mismanagement have in more ways than one, eroded the faith of Nigerians in the political class.
These were contained in her Sallah message to Muslim Faithfuls on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.
She expressed regrets over the poor representation of women as Presidential candidates for the various political parties contesting in the 2023 elections.
Egbo said that it is time women are given the opportunity and a level playing field to add value to nation building, even as she emphasized the need for women to run for higher positions of leadership.
Accordingly, she asked for their prayers, which she said has been strengthening the people and sustaining the nation in spite of the numerous challenges that the country has faced at this time in her history.
Egbo asked Nigerians not to despair, adding that a steadfast belief in the purpose of God shall prevail for the country.
According to her, with divine intervention and the continued support of citizens, Nigeria will undoubtedly overcome the challenges facing it.
The Professor of Education said, “As we approach another election year, I urge Nigerians to look to the future with hope.”
She also called on all Nigerians to heed the call for increased participation in the electoral process by registering for, and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), as she stressed that “Nigerians must play their part in nation building by electing credible persons to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.”
According to her, “Our votes remain the loudest voice to good governance and the consolidation of the country’s democracy. We cannot afford to spend time complaining on social media, while doing next to nothing to bring about the change we desire by doing our due diligence as a people.”