Only Female Osun Governorship Candidate Pushes for Greater Women’s Political Participation

Promises Job Creation, Food Security

The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Adeagbo Opawoye Yemisi, has called for increased participation of women in politics, lamenting the absence of female lawmakers in the Osun State House of Assembly and describing it as a reflection of the persistent marginalisation of women in governance.

Opawoye, the only female candidate in the governorship race, made the call while featuring on Issues That Matter, a current affairs programme on City Mirror TV. She said women possess the competence, experience and leadership qualities required to occupy elective offices and contribute meaningfully to governance.

According to her, the poor representation of women in elective positions is not due to a lack of capacity but the limited opportunities available to them within the political system.

“We have to fight for our rights. We have educated women with capacity and understanding, yet you cannot find a single woman in the Osun State House of Assembly. Does it mean women are not qualified? What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. This is the right time for women to come out en masse and fight for our rights,” she said.

Despite being the only woman contesting the governorship election, Opawoye said she had not faced intimidation from her male opponents. Rather, she said many had encouraged her aspiration, expressing hope that her candidature would inspire more women to seek elective offices.

“To the glory of God, I have never been intimidated. Many men have encouraged me because they believe women have to start from somewhere and that my candidature will motivate other women to participate actively in politics,” she said.

Speaking on her agenda for Osun State, the ADP candidate identified agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and food security.

She said her administration would promote mechanised farming, rehabilitate rural roads, provide modern storage facilities for agricultural produce and create an enabling environment that would encourage young people to embrace farming as a viable source of livelihood.

According to her, expanding employment opportunities through agriculture would also reduce the increasing migration of Nigerian youths seeking greener pastures abroad.

“There is no place like home. If our youths have decent jobs here, many of them will not leave the country. Agriculture will be one of the pillars of my administration because no society can survive without food,” she said.

On education, Opawoye blamed the growing number of out-of-school children on economic hardship and inadequate government support.

She advocated improved teacher training, better-equipped school libraries, affordable education, and expanded bursary and student loan schemes to ease the financial burden on parents.

She also called for the subsidisation of examination fees, arguing that rising educational costs continue to deny many children access to quality education.
“The government can reduce the burden on parents through bursaries and student loans. Education should not become a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it,” she added.

The governorship hopeful also expressed concern over the state of healthcare delivery, lamenting the continued migration of medical professionals and the dependence of many public officials on medical treatment abroad.

She maintained that greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved welfare packages for health workers and better funding of the sector would strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce the exodus of professionals.

Assessing the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Opawoye acknowledged that the administration had made noticeable efforts but insisted that there was still room for improvement.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke is trying, just as his predecessor also made efforts in some areas. But saying someone is trying does not mean another person cannot perform better. Osun can still be better than what we have today,” she said.

On the forthcoming governorship election, the ADP candidate identified insecurity as a major concern and urged political leaders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

She specifically appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to prevail on their supporters to reject violence and embrace peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
“Politics should never be a do-or-die affair. Leaders should not allow bloodshed in the pursuit of power. They must call their supporters to order because the future of Osun depends on the decisions we make today,” she said.

Opawoye also encouraged eligible voters not to allow fear or political tension to discourage them from participating in the election.

“The future of Osun belongs to all of us. People should come out peacefully, cast their votes and return home safely. Democracy can only thrive when citizens freely exercise their constitutional right to vote,” she said.