Toun Okewale, MD Women FM , in a statement on Monday lauds the Governor-Elect Prince Dapo Abiodun for starting well by selecting a competent, cerebral and capable woman with character as his Deputy.
Howewer, the 22 persons Economic Transition Committee recently constituted does not reflect inclusion or fair representation of the over 50 % of women population in Ogun state.
She added that this contradicts a statement alluded to the Governor-Elect saying “Ogun State is blessed with an abundance of human resources in all fields of endeavour and this is reflected in the array of distinguished sons and daughters who have volunteered their skills, rich and diverse experience and vast network to work on this important assignment. Furthermore, our commitment to provide an inclusive Government is expressed in the composition of the committee.”
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She went on to say the statement above is either an attempt to misrepresent the fact or a gross negligence of the achievements, capacity and contribution of women from Ogun state in nation building. The number of persons that constitute a transition committee remains at the prerogative of the Governor-Elect and the 22- persons Economic Transition committee could have accommodated women.
Toun Okewale then urge the Governor-elect and his team to make a deliberate attempt when making future appointments and cast the net wider to reach out to women of Ogun both at home and in the diaspora in the task of taking Ogun state to the next and a higher level. She added that the Governor-Elect should adopt the 35% affirmative action policy as he gears up for his inauguration on 29th of May 2019.
Gender mainstreaming remains pivotal if we are serious about inclusion and good governance. Women radio as a stakeholder in the Nigerian project and with keen interest and location in Ogun state is ready to work with the Dapo Abiodun led team to mainstream women as drivers of sustainable development in Ogun state.
Toun Okewale, once again congratulate the Governor-elect Prince Dapo Abiodun for his victory at the polls and wish him and his team success as they set out on their next level agenda for Ogun state.
