In a bid to encourage more young women’s participation in politics, women under the canopy of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo state have called for more involvement of young women in politics to bring the needed change that would impact the state and the country in general. They also called for adequate training and education for young women in politics.
Admonishing newly inaugurated young women in the party’s State/Senatorial Executive, at a one-day seminar, the Edo State APC Woman Leader, Lady Betty Okoebo, urged them to get proper education to enable them to make an impact in today modern world.
Lady Okoebo, represented by Hon. (Mrs.) Oksanen Angela, a former councilor in Ovia South-West local government area in Edo state, frowned at the plights of the girl child in Nigeria.
” As a young woman today, I will start by commending you on your decision to go into politics. It is because you are passionate about governance and you want your voice to be heard.
This is a laudable move that requires a lot from you and I know you are capable.
“Education they say is the bedrock of every society. You need to be educated to make an impact in today’s world. Gone are the days where women only sing, dance, welcome dignitaries at political parties, and are told whom to vote, where to thump print during elections.
” This is only possible with education, be educated. Education will take you far to the highest pinnacle. Without it, you will only be and remain a stepping stone for educated people to achieve their dreams. Strive for the highest level of education, which is a Ph.D. With it, hard work, political awareness, loyalty, and God. You will break boundaries and can get to any height politically. This is not a timeto say I am the head. But, it a time to work with other women politicians in our party, the APC to achieve our aims and move the party forward. Win elections, fulfill electoral promises, and more vital breakdown barriers for women to attain their political aspiration,” she added.
Admonishing the women, she said:” you need to be morally upright. This is not an avenue to mess yourselves up with male politicians, because they will use and dump you. Preserve your dignity and be a woman who can lift her head anywhere. It is also not a paying job, but a call to serve. “Don’t be a lazy woman, dependant on a man, family, friends for sustenance. Learn a trade, open a business, and God willing, you will make it.
” Shun gossip, backbiting, fighting, envy because only with togetherness will the APC young women in politics in Edo state chapter succeed. Stay focused, I see future political office holders, appointees, and leaders here. You will succeed and God bless. In society today, the girl child faces a lot of challenges. They are discriminated against for their gender and mostly treated as subordinates to males who are empowered. Treated better and made head in most situations because they carry the family name and continue the lineage,” she posited.
Also, former speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, urged the young women to stand out boldly and participate in politics. She told them to look for mentors that would inspire them to succeed in their political careers.
In addition, former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Inumidun Idehen, advised the young women to be courageous, bold, show respect, diligent, hard work, and be committed to doing their job to enable them excel in their political endeavor.
