From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Kogi State Coordinator, Small Scale Farmers Organisation in Nigeria, Hajia Safiya Yahaya has charged women across the state to turnout in their large number and vote for candidates of their choice.
The coordinator gave the charge in her welcome address at a-one-day elections sensitisation and awareness programme assisted by Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria in collaboration with ActionAid of Nigeria, at Ofuorachi in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, for women farmers in the Eastern Senatorial District of Kogi.
According to the Coordinator “Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) is none political but women farmers have a right to exercise their franchise. We are simply here for awareness creation on the need for women to turnout massively during the 2023 general elections to vote for candidates of their choice.
“As Small Scale Women Farmers, you are very important in your immediate society. The saying that no women no nation in Nigeria is real inview of their political consciousness
“Your vote will count hence the need for you women to come out en-mass to cast your votes
“You should not be afraid because government will certainly ensure that adequate security is put in place for the safety of all Nigerians to participate during the elections.
“Vote for candidates you feel can bring about good governance and adequate care of the nation’s citizens.
Hajia Safiya Yahaya also charge women farmers to sustain their tempo and zeal in making their contributions towards ensuring food security in Nigeria.
She called for more involvement of women in agriculture and wealth creation.
The Representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for Idah and Igalamela/Odolu zone, Samuel Iye in his remarks, assured that INEC will ensure the conduct of credible, free, fair and peaceful elections come 2023.
“If you don’t have voter’s card you can’t vote on election Day. Ensure that you are armed with your voter’s card so that you will have the opportunity to vote for candidates of your choice.
“Don’t sell your vote or your four years of democracy dividends. INEC Rep admonished.
Dr. Ugbede Ineke, a Lecturer with the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, stressed the need for women to always embark on ventures that would gurantee wealth creation and empowerment of the people within their immediate society.
He said effective Participation of women in agricultural activities will improve their finances and wellbeing.
Dr. Ineke urged women to redouble their efforts in farming especially in tree crops farming to boost the nation’s food security and economy.