Allow participation of people with disabilities, women in governance – expert tells FG

A Development expert and Author, Mr Olufemi Oyedeji has called for inclusion of more women and People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in governance in Nigeria.

Oyedeji made the call in Ilorin while speaking at the Official Book Launch of his book, “Politics, Philanthropy and Governance: The Choice Belongs to the People”.

He explained that the book was borne out of the need to educate and enlighten Nigerian electorates on what to look out for in electing leaders that care for the country.

Oyedeji admonished electorates against wasting their time listening to politicians’ rhetorics and empty promises.

The author who is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Future of Children Initiative, appealed to voters to desist from selling their votes.

He described Nigeria as a rich country which is facing chronic leadership problems.

“This problem is not solely attributed to the wrong choice of leaders we elect, but also mostly attributed to deficient leadership recruitment process that reflects misinformed followership,” Oyedeji
said.

The development expert observed that politics is a necessary process, and philanthropy can be a virtuous act and should not overshadow the essence of governance, which is to deliver results.

Speaking also, Mrs Funke Balogun, the Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara Chapter noted that the three concepts of politics, philanthropy and governance cannot be separated.

Balogun urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of philanthropy for the indigents in the society.

The legal practitioner urged the government to be concerned about the plight of Nigerian women and PWDs, calling for more empowerment for vulnerable groups.

Earlier in her address, the Chairperson of the occasion, Dr. Janet Faremi, expressed support for women empowerment, adding that women must be educated to achieve their potentials in life.

Faremi appealed to parents to ensure that children learn useful skills alongside their education.