Women group under the aegis of Women of Kogi East, on Wednesday called the founder, Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and SDP senatorial candidate for Kogi Central, Barr. Natasha Akpoti to join Kogi gubernatorial race slated for 2nd November, 2019.
The women who are from the East extraction of the state were drawn from the nine local government of the senatorial district.
In her speech, the president of the group, Hajia Halima Hussein said from what Natasha has done over the years, she has proven beyond reasonable doubt that she can represent not only the people of Kogi Central but entire Kogi State, the reason she said they are calling her to join Kogi gubernatorial race and change the narrative.
“I don’t see you as someone from Kogi Central, you have been a voice for the women of Kogi State and we are proud of you. This is why we are here to call you to contest for Kogi State governorship position and reposition the state with your wealth of experience and exposure”, she said.
Speaking for Idah Federal Constituency, Hon. Amina T. Musa, noted that Natasha’s courage and sincerity in fighting for the masses is what pushed them to call her to join the November gubernatorial race in the state.
In her words, “your courage, resilient and steadfast is what I admire and cherish, thank you for being a voice for the women of Kogi State.
“We need a woman as Govenor in Nigeria, and it will start from Kogi State, we believe in your strength and leadership quality to salvage the people of Kogi State”, she said.
On her on contribution, Lidia Jere who spoke on behalf of Dekina/Bassa Federala constituency said judging from What Natasha has done over the years, they don’t have any doubt that Natasha can lead the people of Kogi State and change the baton.
Also speaking, Aisha Mamman from Ampa Federal Constituency,
Pointed out that the visionary approach to leadership Natasha has demonstrated is what the people of Kogi State need at this trying time to reposition the state amongst the committee of great states in Nigeria.
Reacting, Natasha noted that she believed the reason the women came from Kogi State to call her to join Kogi gubernatorial race is because they have seen farther than what she can see, adding good that the women were all connected through her struggle for Ajaokuta Steel revival and her senatorial campaign.
Speaking on the low number of women in leadership positions, Natasha said, “I am in a better position to understand why we have few women in leadership positions in Nigeria.
“Other women before us had played their own role. It is now time for us to stand up and build on the foundation they have laid and hopefully our daughters will have a better foundation.
“As at last two years when the African Development Bank made analysis of women in leadership positions in African countries, Nigeria was second to the last with just 5.6 percent women occupying leadership positions while Rwanda took the lead with 68 percent”, she said.
Natasha decried that the situation is now worrisome and all time low as most of the women in National Assembly were not returned with just 3.8 percent in elective positions.
Natasha disclosed that she is not speaking for gender equality but gender equity and gender balance, adding that while the strength of man is physical, a woman’s strength is in her heart, more resilient and have empathy and humanity.
According to her, countries that have more women in leadership positions have less corruption, explaining that women are builders and molders of ideal society.
While thanking the women for believing in her, Natasha quickly noted that she is still recuperating from the last election, adding that she will give their call a second thought and seek for more advise.
By Hamza Lamisi
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