By Prince Suleiman Adinoyi
In a strong show of solidarity ahead of the general elections, Ebira women under the umbrella of the Ebira Vonya Women Association (also known as Fancy Women in Politics) have thrown their weight behind the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kogi Central Senatorial candidate, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and other APC candidates in Kogi State.
The women made the declaration at a well-attended mobilisation rally in Lokoja, Kogi State capital where they pledged their unalloyed loyalty to the APC at all levels.
Convener of the group and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Hon. Abdulkadir Rukayat Ajoge, said armed with their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs), Ebira women and indeed Kogi women at large are fully ready to deliver massive votes for the APC.
Hon. Rukayat stated that since the creation of Kogi State, no administration has given women as much inclusion and recognition as the APC government. She noted that under the New Direction administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello and the current consolidation administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi women have been appointed to sensitive and strategic positions in government, a clear demonstration of the party’s commitment to gender inclusion.
According to her, the best way to repay the goodwill is to ensure total victory for all APC candidates from the presidency to the state assembly.
Also speaking at the event, the Kogi State Auditor-General for Local Government, Hon. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege, commended the women for their steadfast support for the government from the New Direction era to the present consolidation government.
Hon. Adabenege said former Governor Yahaya Bello laid a solid and workable governance template with a clear foresight to make Kogi State the envy of other states, and that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is consolidating on those achievements, particularly in the areas of security, unity and infrastructural development.
“Today is indeed a happy day, owing to the fact that you all have, through your various commendations, demonstrated how our overall leader, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, is the pathfinder and brain behind what we are enjoying today as dividends of democracy.
You all have in your various remarks, explained how Governor Ododo has been a good consolidator, particularly in improving the security architecture laid down by his predecessor, prioritising the welfare of Kogites, providing scholarships to the people, empowering women, promoting youth-centred leadership and pursuing many other people-oriented initiatives.
Such commendations from our women are a testimony that the government has recorded achievements worthy of recognition. This gathering has further demonstrated the continued confidence and support of the women for the APC administration” He said
The Auditor-General commended the leadership of the Ebira Vonya Women Association for its efforts and pledged support as the women take an active part in the campaigns and electioneering for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor Yahaya Bello as Senator for Kogi Central and all other APC candidates in 2027, while also preparing for the re-election of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He stressed that the Ododo administration is not relenting in its efforts to rid Kogi State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The Auditor-General for Local Government called for sustained unity among all ethnic groups and sections of the state, noting that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding. He acknowledged the indispensable role of women in politics and grassroots mobilisation, and assured that the present government will deepen more opportunities and benefits for women in Kogi State.
Highlights of the event included cultural musical performances, solidarity songs, the presentation of cakes and awards to Hon. Fancy in celebration of his birthday, and the official unveiling of campaign materials for the APC candidates by Hon. Siyaka Yakubu Adabenege, alongside other party stalwarts and women leaders.
The women vowed to take the door-to-door campaign to all wards and polling units to ensure landslide victory for the APC.
