2019: Women gather in Lagos, discuss political involvement

Women in politics have gathered in Lagos to discuss the role and power of the female gender in politics. The event took place in Lagos yesterday as hosted by the British Deputy High commissioner in Lagos.

The convergence saw over 50 women, young and old from different works of life coming together to talk politics and the future of the Nigerian woman in politics.

At the event were Nkoyo Toyo,Sola Salako,Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji as panelists; others were Adesuwa Onyenokwe,Joke Silva,Omotola Jalade Ekeinde,Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Dr.Elishama Ideh and a host of many others.

Sola Salako who spoke at length on the role of civil engagement on politics urged other women to go back to their roots (hometowns) and start developing what they can to assist women and children their hometowns.

Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji who spoke on women in politics bluntly denounced the notion that being a woman is an automatic ticket to power; saying:“You have to build competence, character and capacity, as a woman you have to work 10 times better than a man”

Hon. Esu Nkoyo Toyo,a Nigerian politician,lawyer and development consultant pointed out that political processes and parties are nurtured by people and that there is an existing political family; explaining that women need to learn and take a step at a time so that one can be able to understand the rules of the game.

For Dr. Elishama Ideh (2019 presidential aspirant), women should run for political offices, saying women have a deeper intelligence of handing even the minor things that a man will possibly ignore. Mr Adesuwa Onyenokwe added his voice by urging women politicians to learn how to use the media to their advantage in 2019.