By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State House of Assemblymember,Hon. Omotayo Adeleye, representing Ijumu constituency has called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to fulfill his pledge of providing 40% representation for women in his administration.
Speaking with journalists at the Assembly complex in Lokoja, Adeleye urged men to support Governor Ododo’s commitment to increased women’s participation in governance, rather than discourage it. She noted that while the governor has made significant strides in promoting women’s inclusivity during his seven months in office, further steps should be taken to fulfill the 40% pledge for women in both appointive and elective positions.
“He [Governor Ododo] recently announced that he intends to go beyond the 35% Affirmative Action to raise it to 40%. That’s a very commendable move, and I believe he will make it happen,” Adeleye said.
The lawmaker praised the governor’s efforts in ensuring women’s representation in his administration, citing her own role as an example of his commitment.
Adeleye, the first woman to represent Ijumu constituency and one of only two women in the 25-member 8th Kogi Assembly, acknowledged that the push for women’s inclusivity began under former Governor Yahaya Bello, but Governor Ododo had continued and promised to enhance it.
She also called on men to be more open-minded in creating opportunities for women, emphasizing that while women may not be asking for total equity, they do deserve a fair share in leadership.
Adeleye rated Governor Ododo’s administration highly in several sectors, highlighting his achievements during his first seven months in office. She expressed confidence in his ability to further develop the state, especially now that legal pressures surrounding his governorship have subsided.
“Governor Ododo has been wonderful in his leadership, and I believe that now, free from court cases, he will perform even better. The people of Kogi State should support him fully to allow him to continue delivering on his promises,” she concluded. (Ends)