By A women-focused political pressure group, APC Amazons, has stressed the need for more women to hold political offices in Lagos State, particularly in Ikorodu Division.
The group’s convener, Deen Sanwoola stated this during a closed-door meeting with a top APC chieftain and Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) member, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, last Friday.
Sanwoola, in his opening remarks, explained that APC Amazons is dedicated to creating a society where women’s participation and their ability to fulfil their potentials are unrestricted, acknowledging the warm reception by Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun.
“We are here today to say thank you for the support so far and for also accepting to be the patron of the group, a news which was well accepted by the group when I announced it to them because they all agreed and ratified your nomination as our Patron,” he said.
He added, “From statistics, we discovered that women don’t vote for themselves. They prefer to mobilize, canvass, support, and vote for men but we have been able to redirect the trajectory and let them know that they have to support one other as well.
“22 members started the group with the single interest in running for political offices. 10 people got elected. Today, the group has in her kit, one Council Chairman, one Vice Chairman, two House Leaders, three Deputy Leaders, one Majority Leader and one Chief Whip among them
“What you have helped us in achieving within the shortest time in our first consultation has set us apart from other divisions in the state. No other division has the set of women within the age bracket and other factors like we have in political offices as we have in Ikorodu Division.”
On behalf of the group, Sanwoola requested that APC Amazons would be counting on the Apex leader’s support in ensuring that its members get deserving political positions.
“This also wouldn’t have been possible without the endorsement and efforts of Rep. Babajimi Benson, MHR, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and when consulted, he did not only agreed to help us, but also journey with us in our future endeavours,” he said.
Declaring his support for the group, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, in his swift response, praised the group’s ideation, saying he will continue to ensure that women in politics are not relegated.
“Across the Senatorial Districts of Lagos, Only Ikorodu had sent a woman to the House of Representatives, Hon. Abike Dabiru – Erewa and she served for three(3), Former Member, LAHA, who equally served as Commissioner for Tourism, Art & Culture, Hon. Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, and the current Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bisola Olusanya were good examples of women inclusion in our plan and policy as a party,” he said.
Basorun urged the group to remain focused by slamming behind them caucus politics capable of situating the unity and progress of the group in jeopardy.
He added, “I am thankful for this gesture because we are in the service together. Let us maintain this position and anything that is good, we have to fight for it. If the leaders are good and the entire Division is succeeding, it is because you followers are also good and we should give you that credit, and you have to continue to be good because that is what will enhance you to move forward.”
The Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Princess Folashade Oba and Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Mrs Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, in their respective remarks, appreciated Asiwaju Basorun for accepting to associate with APC Amazons, adding that group will not disappoint him.
