Ex-LG vice chair, Blessing Ekele urges stakeholders to prioritise women, girls’ right
The former Vice Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government in Kogi State, Mrs Blessing Aisha Ekele, has emphasized the need for stakeholders nationwide to take decisive action in prioritizing women’s and girls’ rights, empowerment, and well-being for a better society.
Hon. Ekele disclosed this on Saturday in a statement to newsmen in Lokoja to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with the theme : “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
Mrs Ekele who is currently a Local Government Special Assistant (LSA)to the Executive Governor of Kogi state , His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo emphasised the urgent need for gender-responsive reforms, linking women’s leadership to national development.
The ex- Local government Vice chairperson who joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 extended her heartfelt wishes to all women and girls in Kogi state and beyond on this historic celebration.
The Magajia 1 of Uke kingdom acknowledged the remarkable achievements of women in various fields in the country, particularly in kogi state , and highlighted the resilience, determination, and spirit of innovation of female folks in the society.
While she emphasized the crucial role being played by women for a better society of kogi tomorrow, she expressed her commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential in today’s democratic setting in the country.
Mrs Ekele said : “Kogi state under the immediate past governor Yahaya Bello has set a better precedent in this direction,in which his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is sustaining and pursing with vigour .
“Governor Ododo has continue to implement policies and programmes that has been promoting gender rights, education, and economic empowerment, with the ultimate goal of creating equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender.
“For the sake of posterity, governor Ododo led administration has 5 women in his cabinet, over 20 female Special Advisers (SAs) and more than 30 female Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) , including over 100 women in LSAs and WSAs (Ward Special Assistants).
“About 5 out of 11 key elective positions in every Local Government Area of the state are currently being occupied by women.
“Under , governor Ododo administration, the female folks boast of one woman Chairperson in the local government, 20 local government vice chairpersons, council leaders and over 80 Female Councillors.
” This is a far departure from the old setting where female folks in the state were not seen as potent force to be involved in the affairs of the state “.
The woman leader who is known for her philanthropic gesture and a consistent supporter of All Progressive Congress (APC) leadership and programmes commanded the immediate past and present administration over their inclusiveness posture , that have provided an opportunity for female folks to express themselves in act of governance .
She therefore use the opportunity of this global women day celebration to urge kogi women and those in diaspora to remain resolute in their quest to contribute their quotas when called upon in any capacity to move the state forward in order to join comity of great states in the country.
