The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Adeagbo Opawoye Yemisi, has called for greater participation of women in politics, declaring that the absence of female lawmakers in the Osun State House of Assembly reflects the continued marginalisation of women in governance.
Opawoye, the only female governorship candidate in the race, made the call while speaking on Issues That Matter, a current affairs programme on City Mirror TV, where she argued that women possess the competence, experience and leadership capacity to occupy elective offices alongside their male counterparts.
According to her, the low representation of women in elective positions is not a reflection of their ability but of the limited opportunities available to them.
She said it was time for women to become more actively involved in politics and decision-making, noting that societies that have embraced female leadership have continued to record significant progress.
“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 experienced intimidation from her male opponents, adding that many had instead encouraged her decision to contest.
“To the glory of God, I have never been intimidated. Rather, many men have encouraged me. They believe women have to start from somewhere and that my candidature will inspire other women to participate in politics,” she stated.
Speaking on her vision for the state, the ADP candidate said her administration would prioritise agriculture as a tool for economic growth, employment generation and food security.
She explained that her government would introduce mechanised farming, improve rural road infrastructure, provide storage facilities for farm produce and create an enabling environment capable of attracting young people back into agriculture.
According to her, creating employment opportunities would significantly reduce the growing wave of migration by Nigerian youths in search of better opportunities 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 attributed the rising number of out-of-school children to economic hardship and inadequate government support, insisting that quality education must become a priority.
She advocated improved teacher training, functional school libraries, affordable education and financial assistance for students through bursaries and loan schemes.
She also urged governments to subsidise examination fees, arguing that rising education costs continue to push many children out of school.
“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 said.
The ADP governorship candidate also expressed concern over the state of healthcare delivery, lamenting the continued migration of medical professionals and the dependence on foreign medical treatment by many public officials.
She argued that better investment in healthcare infrastructure and improved welfare for health workers would strengthen the sector and discourage professionals from leaving the country.
Assessing the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Opawoye acknowledged that the administration had made some efforts but maintained that there was still considerable 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.
She identified insecurity as one of the state’s biggest challenges, particularly as the governorship election approaches, describing the situation as worrisome.
The ADP candidate called on Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to prevail on their supporters to embrace peace and reject political violence.
According to her, elections should not become a matter of life and death.
“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.
She also appealed to residents not to allow fear to prevent them from exercising their civic responsibility, urging voters to come out peacefully, cast their votes and return home safely.
“The future of Osun belongs to all of us. People should participate peacefully in the election because democracy can only thrive when citizens freely exercise their right to vote,” Opawoye added.
