Wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, has enjoined the recently elected 17 female local government vice chairmen to see that they use their current platforms to secure the political future of other women.
Dame Okowa, who gave the charge while playing host to the women at her office on Thursday, March 25, 2021, commended the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for ensuring over 35% women representation in government especially at the grassroots level.
Noting that the state had never had it this fair with women representation in governance, she said, “Since our history, we have never had it this good, as this is the first time we are having such a significant number of women emerging as vice chairmen and it would only be good if we are able to use the opportunity wisely”.
She charged them to carry out their duties in such a way that tomorrow, when stocks are taken, it would not be said that the women misused the opportunity given to them.
“This is essential because people are watching and the time is also ticking, you must thus understand why you are in the position in the first place and you should be committed to doing what you will be remembered for”, she admonished.
Dame Okowa also urged the viice chairmen to work amicably with their chairmen to ensure a smooth running of the various councils.
“A vital key to your success as vice chairmen is that you work hand in hand with your chairmen. Never antagonize anyone but rather be considerate and humble to get your results achieved.
“You can never go wrong with being polite and understanding as these virtues can open unforeseen doors for you. Keep your eyes on your set goals, which should be people oriented and ensure you apply humility to get things done”, she said.
Dame Okowa congratulated them on their victories, intimated them on the activities of the O5 Initiative and assured them of her commitment to seeing that they have a favourable working environment.
“We have a lot of human centred activities we do at the O5 Initiative ranging from healthcare to prison ministry and even orphanages, and we joyfully invite you as grassroot persons to join us in this project of changing lives”.
The vice chairmen on their part thanked the wife of the governor for reaching out to them, while pledging their support for the Initiative.
During the interactive session, the vice chairman, Aniocha North LGA, Princess Tina Amuamuziam, affirmed that she had personally followed the activities of the first lady in the state.
According to Amuamuziam, “the wife of the governor has been consistent with her pet project, the O5 Initiative which I describe as being characterized by sufficient grace. I thus want to encourage my fellow vice chairmen to ensure they tow this line of charity”.
Others who spoke intimated the wife of the Governor on what their projections were with regards to their various local governments while she admonished them on the way forward in executing their plans.
The local government areas with female vice chairmen are, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Bomadi, Ethiope East, Ika North East, Ika South, Isoko South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Patani, Udu, Ukwuani, Ugheli South and Warri South.
