From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Barr. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, representing Ilejemeje Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, expressed concern about the low representation of women in Nigerian politics.
During a programme organised in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and UN Women, Fakunle-Okieimen emphasized the need for greater political involvement from women and encouraged constituents to support women in politics.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, and former Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for their role in promoting her political career. She praised the current Ekiti administration for giving women significant recognition in governance.
Fakunle-Okieimen highlighted the stark disparity in political representation, noting that there are only 48 women in legislative seats across Nigeria, with Ekiti State having six. She praised NILDS and UN Women for their efforts to maintain and increase the number of women in political office, emphasising their support for the six female lawmakers in Ekiti. “The inclusion of women in politics in Nigeria is abysmally poor,” she stated. She also credited the governor for his “he for she” attitude in supporting women’s representation.
Guest speaker Dr. Catherine Ikokor, representing NILDS Director-General Prof. Abubukar Sulaiman, spoke on enhancing women’s political representation. She emphasised that despite women’s proven leadership abilities, they remain underrepresented in Nigerian politics. “Women’s political participation is not just a matter of fairness, it is essential for the health of our democracy,” she said, highlighting the stark contrast between Nigeria’s less than 10% female representation in the National Assembly and much higher percentages in other African countries like Rwanda and South Africa.
Fakunle-Okieimen discussed her legislative role, noting her active engagement with constituents and her efforts to include their needs in the state budget. “I have engaged my constituency more than four times,” she said, emphasising her focus on healthcare and environmental initiatives, such as improving the General Hospital in Iye-Ekiti and educating schools on environmental safety.
The Oniye of Iye-Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Agboola Oni, praised Fakunle-Okieimen for her representation, suggesting that she is qualified for re-election. Similarly, Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman Pius Alaba Dada commended her performance, calling for her continuity in office or a promotion to a higher position.
Her colleagues in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, including Hon. Mariam Ogunlade from Emure Constituency and Hon. Bosede Olowookere Oluwasola from Efon Constituency, echoed praise for Fakunle-Okieimen’s contributions. They highlighted the gender sensitivity of the current government, noting that Ekiti has the highest number of female lawmakers in the country.
The consensus among the women present was that the Ekiti State government is setting a positive example in gender inclusivity in both elective and appointive positions.
