The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency at the 9th Oyo Assembly, Honourable Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Lawmaker’ award by the National Council For Women Society (NCWS) Nigeria.
National Council of Women’s Society, Nigeria, is the umbrella body for the advancement of the course of all Nigerian women.
Presenting the award to Oladeji who is the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in Ibadan today Sept. 14, the National president of the NCWS, Hajia Lami Adamu commended the Lawmaker’ for being worthy ambassador and advocate of women.
Some of the young members of NCWS, Oyo state chapter in a group photo with Hon. Oladeji
According to Hajia Adamu, Hon. Oladeji through her success story as both politician and legislator has proved to the world that women in the society are nation builders and should be given more opportunities to serve especially in elective offices.
In her brief remarks, Hon. Oladeji who is the only female lawmaker in the 9th Oyo Assembly appreciated the National Council for finding her worthy of becoming recipient of the prestigious awards.
She assured that the gesture would propel her to do more and to not waver in advancing the course of women in the society at any level.
Listing some of her achievements as a legislator in terms of sponsored bills and motions, Hon. Oladeji maintained that it has not been easy being the only female lawmaker in a male dominated House of Assembly but experience, resilience, determination, and commitment have kept her going.
The two term lawmaker however, called on women to be more physically engaged in politics in order to be able to make more impacts on the society stressing that the political landscape would continue to be dominated by men if women continued to shy away from include participation in politics.
“I want to sincerely express my heartfelt appreciations to the National Council for even finding me worthy of this award, I’m very grateful and I can assure you that this will only propel me to do more.
“I must confess to you, as the only female lawmaker in a house of 32 lawmaker, it has not being easy. Among 32 lawmakers of the state assembly, 31 are male, I’m the only female and sometimes things get tough trying to find your way them but with my experience, resilience, determination, and commitment to the mandate given me by the good people of Ogbomoso North, I’ve always done by bit.
“I want to also assure you all that I will not waver in advancing the course of women and womanhood in our society which was why I personally sponsored some bills and motions that have since become laws that are being practiced in the state.”
Hon. Oladeji however, urged women to always endeavor to support other women trying to make positive impacts on the society at any level especially in politics stressing that the pace of women in politics and governance is predicated on how well women support their fellow women.
She also appealed to women to consolidate on their numeric strength and mobilize themselves towards collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) saying it is the only democratic means of electing good leaders with genuine intent to serve the people.
In their separate remarks, other women participants at the event urged government and politicians to ensure the implementation of 35 percent slot for women in both appointed and elective offices.
They submitted that it is only when women are assured of fairness in all elective and appointed offices at all levels of governance that inclusive participation can be fully encouraged.
They also vowed to leverage on their numeric strength to effect positive change come 2023 as it was no longer going to be business as usual.
Others at the event include the Oyo state executive members of the Council and other invited dignitaries.
Highlights of the event was presentation of award to Hon. Oladeji and other recipients, official commissioning of the newly constructed NCWS state Secretariat in Ibadan, and inauguration of the newly elected state executive council members.