An organization for the advancement of the course of women in Nigeria, National Council of Women’s Society (NCWS) has honoured the member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North constituency, Hon. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji with an Award of ‘Outstanding Lawmaker’.
According to the Council, the award is to honour the lawmaker for her activities and efforts in the state and especially her good records in the progress and welfare of women in Oyo State.
Hon. Oladeji, in her speech at the event held at the National Secretariat of the Council at Samonda, Ibadan, the state capital, expressed her challenges she is facing being the only female gender among the 32 lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
She maintained that it is the grace of God, experience, resilience, determination, and commitment that is keeping her going.
While soliciting for support for women in politics particularly in the 2023 general elections from members of the Council, she assured them of her continuity in the advancement of the course of women in the state.
Hon. Oladeji, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, appreciated the Council for finding her worthy of becoming the recipient of the award.
The Ogbomoso born politician, however, called on women to be more engaged in politics in order to be able to make more impacts on society.
According to her, “I want to sincerely express my heartfelt appreciation to the National Council of Women’s Society, Nigeria for even finding me worthy of this award, I’m very grateful and I can assure you that this will only propel me to do more.
“I must confess to you, as the only female lawmaker in a house of 32 lawmakers, it has not been easy. Among 32 lawmakers of the state assembly, 31 are male, I’m the only female and sometimes things get tough trying to find your way among them but with my experience, resilience, determination, and commitment to the mandate given me by the good people of Ogbomoso North, I’ve always done it bit by bit.
“I want to also assure you all that I will not waver in advancing the course of women and womanhood in our society which was why I personally sponsored some bills and motions that have since become laws that are being practiced in the state,” Hon. Bimbo Oladeji said.
She appealed to women to consolidate on their numeric strength and mobilize themselves towards collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), saying it is the only democratic means of electing good leaders with genuine intent to serve the people.
The National President of the Council, Hajia Lami Adamu, who presented the award to the lawmaker, commended Hon. Oladeji for being a worthy ambassador and advocate of women.
According to Hajia Adamu, the lawmaker, through her success story as both politician and legislator has proved to the world that women in the society are nation builders and should be given more opportunities to serve especially in elective offices.
She assured that members of the Council throughout the country will support every woman in politics in the forthcoming general elections.
Hajia Adamu also used the opportunity to inaugurate the newly elected executive members of the Council in Oyo State.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
