Niger State Governor decries low participation of women in politics

The Governor of Niger State in Northcentral Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has lamented the low participation of women in the political affairs of the country.

The Governor stated this during a three-day training for youths, a collaborative programme between the state government and Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), in Minna. the state capital.

The Governor Who further appealed to the women to actively participate in all political processes for the growth of democracy said there is a need for people of impeccable character in leadership positions to get the desired change in the country.

“The quality of leadership, integrity and the character of whoever we vote for is what will fix this country,” he said.

Governor Bello noted that there is a need to urgently address the endemic corruption at various levels in the country, hence the call for people of good character to be part of the political process.

“We have to work on our characters as human beings and we have to be nice to each other,” he added.

He expressed happiness with the Get Involved Leadership Training (GILT) for youths in the state urging youths to be bold and use the opportunity to actively participate in politics and governance of the country.

The Founder and Chairman Board of Trustee, Lead Generation Initiative, Mr Shina Peller said the team was in the state to train the youths on effective leadership skills, strategic communication, political mobilization, active citizenship and nation-building.

Mr Peller further explained that the team is raising awareness about community development, and consciously training those who will be trained to train others and drive development from the grassroots.

“Two participants were selected from each of the 25 local government areas of the state to replicate the training they received to the 274 wards in the State and that another set of 50 persons nominated by the state government will be trained as supervisors, bringing the numbers of those to be trained to 100,” he said.

While urging youths across the country to get involved in meaningful political activities and to always show interest in national issues, Mr Peller also commended Governor Sani Bello for being the first State to partner with Lead Generation Initiative and encouraged other states to do the same as it will go a long way to end extreme poverty and create a more inclusive society.

“At Lead Generation Initiative we understand that more than ever before we need to train, re-orientate, and charge the Nigerian youth to stop

lamenting endlessly about the maladministration of the country but to contribute their quota to nations building beginning from their immediate communities.

“The federal Parliament shall have a reasonable percent of youths and Women representation,” Peller said.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Emmanuel Umar, in his welcome address, commended the initiative of the team and expressed hope that it will create opportunities for young people to add value to their communities.

Zainab Sa’id