Aiyedatiwa calls for more inclusion of women in political positions
July 30, 2026 9:29 am
File: Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa
By Peter Dada
The Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on political stakeholders in country to allow for inclusion of more women in political and elective positions.
The governor described women as an important element in nation development, saying his administration had been operating an all gender inclusive government.
Aiyedatiwa made this call at the launch of the 774 Explode Project in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday.
The initiative was said to have been initiated by National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress to empower women.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor said all hands must be on deck to ensure the greater participation of women in politics.
He said, “Women are very critical to the uplifting and development of any society. They are the unseen architects of society. Women nurture families, preserve values, sustain local economies, resolve conflicts and shape future generations. Increasingly, they are also transforming public administration, entrepreneurship, technology, education, agriculture and governance. These remind us that leadership is not a function of gender but of competence, character, vision and service.
“We must be proud of the appreciable progress we have recorded in this direction, yet we honestly admit that significant gaps still exist. We, therefore, like to advocate for intentional and greater inclusion of women in elective offices, leadership positions and strategic decision making structures.
“Not any more should cultural stereotypes, economic barriers and systemic limitations be allowed to impede the realisation of their full potential. We ask not for sympathy in this noble cause but demand a well-orchestrated and deliberate action. We must be unrelenting in this advocacy that aligns with initiatives such as Project 774 Explode.”
The governor commended the National Women Leader of the APC for bringing the Project 774 Explode Initiative to Ondo State, saying the programme was more than an intervention project.
“It is a bold declaration that the future of our country depends on unlocking the immense potential of women in every community and sphere of public life. Historically, societies that have attained enduring greatness succeeded in doing so because of inclusiveness; harnessing the gifts, intellect, resilience and leadership of both men and women,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.
In her remarks, the National Women Leader of the APC, Dr Mary Idele, said more women were needed in political and elective positions.
She said, “The future of our democracy depends on the inclusion of young people, especially young women. Across Nigeria, we have brilliant, educated, innovative, and energetic young women whose talents must not remain on the sidelines. We must intentionally create opportunities for them to serve as councillors, local government chairpersons, legislators, commissioners, party executives, and indeed future governors and presidents.
”Political participation is not merely about holding office, it is about influencing decisions, shaping policies, and ensuring that the voices of women are represented wherever important decisions are made.
The national women leader of the ruling party urged mothers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and party stakeholders to continue supporting young women “with the confidence, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed in public life.”
Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political leadership despite years of advocacy for greater gender inclusion.
Although they make up nearly half of the country’s population and play active roles in political campaigns and party activities, their representation in elective and appointive offices remains low.
Civil society organisations, women’s groups and development partners have consistently called for policies that promote equal opportunities for women in governance.
Efforts such as the proposed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and campaigns for affirmative action have sought to increase women’s participation in decision-making, but progress has been slow.
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