International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria has congratulated all elected female candidates in the just-concluded general elections.
In a press statement signed by its Program Office, Melody Akinjiyan, IPC specifically congratulated four of the elected female lawmakers who were part of the 45 female candidates whose skills were enhanced during a two-day capacity building on strategic communication and media use ahead of 2023 elections.
The workshop was organised under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase II (EUSDGN II) project.
The capacity building sessions, which held December 2022, at Osogbo and Port-Harcourt respectively were part of the activities under Component 4 (Support to Media) implemented by IPC.
Fakunle Iyabo Okieimen (Ekiti State House of Assembly), Maryam Ogunlade (Ekiti State House of Assembly); Rita Agbo Ayim (Cross River State House of Assembly) and Ayibanegiyefa Egba (Bayelsa State House of Assembly) are the distinguished four who were beneficiaries of IPCs capacity building for female candidates prior to the elections.
While noting that the knowledge gained were life-long skills which were generally and particularly useful in advancing the electoral aspirations of the female candidates, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade said: “We are indeed elated and rejoice with all the female candidates who emerged victorious in the recently concluded elections, especially those who went through our capacity building programme before the elections.
“It also gladdens our heart that there is a marginal increase in the number of women elected into
office at the sub-national parliamentary level, compared to the 2019 elections. This is an indication that concerted efforts at positioning more women in political office has yielded results
and this should be sustained, moreso as women play important roles in the strengthening of
democracy.”
Further, Arogundade charged the elected female lawmakers to ensure they make a difference by
sponsoring or supporting motions and bills that will promote inclusive governance so that women, youths, persons with disabilities and rural dwellers can feel the positive effects of democracy.
On the female candidates who did not succeed at the polls, Arogundade advised them not to be discouraged. He expressed optimism that the future would be bright as awareness is growing on the benefits of increased female participation in politics and governance.
According to him, IPC will continue to partner with both the elected and non-elected female politicians on the promotion of inclusive governance in Nigeria.
