….as NAWOJ South West holds Zonal Summit
Grace Nwafor
Some stakeholders in Ekiti State on Wednesday advocated more women participation in politics to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
The stakeholders including, political office holders, traditional rulers, journalists made the call at the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, South West Zonal Summit themed: “Women as Catalysts in Nigeria’s Path to Progress” held in Ado-Ekiti.
Delivering her lecture, the lawmaker representing Ilejemeje Constituency in Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen reiterated the essential role women play in a countries developmental stride.
The lawmaker opined that Nigeria’s developmental move cannot take place without the involvement of women in its affairs noting that a society is as strong as the women in it hence, the need to empower them in all facet of life for the growth of the society.
Fakunle-Okieimen cited the Council of Foreign Relations and Women Right Report titled, “Growing Economies through Gender Priority” which says that Nigeria’s GDP could grow by an impressive 23% by 2025 if women participate in the economy at the same level as men.
She however noted that this could not be achieved due to certain factors obtainable in the could adding that women must be empowered economical in order to move the nation forward.
In politics and power, the lawmaker decried that Nigeria has the lowest representation of women in Africa with women holding 3 out of 196 seats in the Senate and 17 out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives.
She further called on women to support one other in their various pursuit and also urged the NAWOJ to employ their journalistic skills in better positioning of women in through the media.
In the same vein, Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, Regional President Occupational Safety & Health Association UK, OSH Association Nigeria Region urged the relevant authorities to make informed decisions that will spark the catalysts for more women inclusion in governance.
In his address, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre called on women journalists to spearhead the drive to eradicate quackery in the Journalism profession.
While commending the Ekiti State Executives of NAWOJ led by Adewumi Ademiju, he seized the opportunity to reiterate the need for journalists to play a crucial role in women participation in politics.
His words: “Alhaja Ademiju is not just a leader; she is a beacon of purpose whose leadership has restored credibility to Ekiti NAWOJ and made journalism appealing once again.
“There is a surge in one-legged stories — unverified, unbalanced, and sometimes hearsay-based content — even in mainstream media. This betrays the sacred ethics of our profession.
“You are not just catalysts for progress — you are the progress. Your stories carry the weight of truth and the hope of a more informed and empowered society.”
On her part, Ekiti State NAWOJ Chairperson, Com. Ademiju disclosed that the program served as an avenue for stakeholders to brainstorm on the development of women, Children and the nation at large.
She commended the state Government, NAWOJ, NUJ and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event.
Highlights of the event were award presentations to the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi as “Most Gender Friendly Political Icon”, the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as “Formidable Entrepreneurial First Lady.”
Others award recipients include retired women journalists; Com. Bosede Falade , Com. Lawal Olufunmilayo, Com. Rita Opeodu, Com. Bimbo Yusuf, Com. Olawunmi Fumuyiwa and certificate of excellence to Ekiti NUJ Staff, Miss Temitope Bolarinde.
