Education
Nigeria ‘ll make positive progress with 70% women in govt- Ochoga,
By David Odama
A one time Commissioner of Women Affairs, Youths, Sports and Information in Benue State, Dr Diana Ochoga Saturday advised Nigerians against the use of one mistake or offense committed by women appointee to jude other women in the country.
This is even as Dr Ochoga has lay claims that the nation will witness tremendous positive changes if 70% of Nigerian women were given statutory responsibilities in government either through appointments or elective positions.
Presenting a keynote address at the 2024 National Convention of St.
According to the former women Affairs Commissioner in Benue state, most women found in positions of authority have done well in their various areas of assignments asking Nigerians to continue to believe in the women capacity and capability to deliver in their mandate and bring about positive change.
The group national president of (SASSO) who however insisted that women perform better in positions of authority,hence the need to be saddled with more consideration, equally admitted that some women have made mistakes in the past, stressing that the actions of few of the women should not be used as a yardstick to decide the fate of others.
While lamenting the negligible number of consideration given to women in government, Dr Ochoga noted that apart from former President, Goodluck Jonathan who gave women considerable representation including appointing a woman as Minister of Petroleum Resources in his government, other successive administrations have refused to consider women as partners in the Nigeria project either as an elected representatives or appointed into positions of authority
“The action of Nigerians has continued to negate the progress and development. This have to change if the nation must make progress and rank amongst the comity of nations who consider women in governance”, Dr Ochoga stated
“Women representation in governance is not enough. I’m not satisfied with the representation. Only Goodluck Jonathan entrusted women with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources as president We are not getting there at all ,we have women engineers and women in other professions capable of making things happen”.
“The woman who made mistake in his government was an individual just like their male counterpart. They were individuals, you don’t use an individual to judge a group. Their actions do not speak to the whole women rather as persons as some men have also failed us”.
“To generalize mistake of one person is wrong. That is why the country is where it is today. On a scale of ten,how many women have really been in positions of authority and have failed the country? On a scale of 10, it’s less than one percent! So you can not now use the action of one woman to conclude that women have failed the country.
“When you give women 70 % as appointees or elective, the country will be good, the will be refixed for the betterment of Nigerians,”she declared.
Earlier, the Abuja Branch Coordinator of SASSO,Pharm. (Mrs) Bridget Aladi Otote, thanked members for turning up for the occasion and admonished them to embrace the opportunity to learn, inspire, and grow.
“As we gather here, let us take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us together. Each of us carries the rich legacy of St. Anne’s, shaped by our experiences, friendships, and the values instilled in us during our formative years. Today, we celebrate not just our past, but the vibrant community we continue to build.
“This convention is key to our commitment to fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and uplifting one another. Together, we can strengthen our bonds and empower future generations of St. Anne’s
graduates. Let us embrace this opportunity to learn, inspire, and grow.
“I encourage each and every one of us to engage fully, share your stories, and connect with old friends and new faces alike. Remember, every conversation you have today could spark a new idea or rekindle a cherished memory.