The Deputy Speaker, Edo House of Assembly Rt Hon (Mrs) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko has called on Professional women to push for increased and meaningful participation in politics and governance so that they can make enduring impacts as the 2024, Edo State Governorship Election draws near.
Edeko, representing the industrious people of Esan North-East constituency 11 on the floor of house, made the call when the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Edo State chapter visited her in Benin.
She noted that the participation of women in politics in the state has not been encouraging despite their strengths and contributions in their political parties.
“Professional women like you Doctors should make effort to join politics for better women representation.
“You are highly gifted and have what it takes to engage and participate in politics. Don’t be afraid, we will show you the road around politics.
“Women are in political parties but how well are they able to move to certain positions in political leadership beyond being women leaders.
“So we need professional women who can push for their rights because there are so many barriers hindering women from participating in politics,” she said.
Edeko, while commending the women Doctors on the various communities services to the people, urged them to support Gov Godwin Obaseki by providing free medical services in communities where there are no doctors.
“The governor is very concerned about our Primary healthcare and I will like you to support him in that area. Go into the various PHCs and carry out free medical services.
” You spoke about carrying out free Cancer screening, our primary healthcare centers would be a good place to start,”she added.
Earlier, The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) led by its President, Dr Irene Akhideno said the visit was to brief the deputy Speaker about the association upcoming free Cancer screening taking place in Benin.
Akhideno also told the deputy Speaker about the association’s plans to set up cancer support fund and solicited her support in that regard.
Highpoint of the visit was the installation of the deputy Speaker as the patron of the association in the state.