By Samaila Bayo, Birnin kebbi
The League of Women Voters Nigeria, Kebbi State Chapter, has called for increased in the number of women in governance and leadership positions in the country.
Speaking at the event to mark it's 30th anniversary, the Chairperson of NILOWV, Kebbi State Chapter, Blessing Michael said the League has continued to give women a stronger voice and encourage to take their rightful place in decision making at all levels of governance in Nigeria.
She added that its 30th anniversary is a celebration of three decades of commitment, courage and service to women empowerment and democratic development in the country.
She said "Thirty years is not just a number. It represents three decades of commitment, courage, service, advocacy, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of women to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation."
The NILOWV state chairperson said for the past 30 years, the League has remained committed to promoting women's participation in governance, democracy, leadership, voter education, civic engagement and the protection of women's rights.
She acknowledged that the journey of the League has not been without challenges. She however noted that the organization has remained resolute because of the dedication of its members, leaders, volunteers, partners and supporters. "We faced political, social, economic, and institutional challenges. Yet, through every challenge, the League has continued to move forward, " she said.
She commended wife of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, who is the patron of the organization, for her financial and motherly support for the league.
The league chairperson charged women to be more politically conscious as it Nigeria moves into the next 30 years.
She called on women to register to vote, contest elections and demand accountability.
In her remarks as Mother of the Day, the wife of the Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris commended NILOWV for its consistency in empowering women and strengthening democracy.
Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Halima Hassan Kamba, congratulated the League and assured the state government's continued support for women-focused initiatives.
Those who delivered goodwill messages included the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Hajiya Hasana Abubakar Koko; the Secretary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Maryam Mahamud; the Secretary of the National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, Maryam Koko; and Hajiya Hasana Ibrahim from Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA, among others.
In addition, a paper on Voter Education was presented by the Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Kebbi State, Malam Muhammad Nasiru Karofi.
The event was attended by women leaders, members of NILOWV, representatives of government and non-governmental organisations in the state.
