PDP gov aspirant, Oguntoyinbo, celebrates women on International Women’s Day
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
A leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.
The international Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement.
It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th Century.
In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said that the role of the women in nation building could not be overemphasised.
He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women, such as Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalisation and the growth of the country and urged women to follow their footsteps by not only participating in the political process, but also seek more elective positions.
He urged the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.
Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying that they were definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.
He said that domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying that they deserved respect for their role in moulding future leaders.
According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.
“I equally call on them not only to be passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections.
“They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions.
“The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.
“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments.”
