The Founder of the Nigerian Women in Leadership Forum (NWLF), Mrs. Betsy Bene Obaseki, has urged women to embrace patriotism and take a proactive role in enhancing Nigeria’s political landscape.
She stated this on Thursday in Benin, at the inaugural conference of the Forum. She called for women to go beyond mentoring and actively sponsor one another for greater influence in leadership and politics.
“About six or so years ago, I conceived the idea of gathering women, because I was looking for more professional women to begin to take an interest in politics and come on board to improve the quality of politics that we play in this state and ultimately in our country.
“We need to catch that spirit of patriotism, every one of us,” she said.
The conference featured a robust panel discussion with leaders calling for legislative support for gender inclusion and underscoring the need for active sponsorship of women.
The keynote speaker at the event, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, called for unity and collective empowerment.
Awosika who highlighted the necessity of connected power, pointed to a lack of understanding as a barrier.
“What my sister seeks to do is to leave you with a legacy—a desire to change your state and to change the country by standing together as a team.
“When we join our powers together, we create a superpower…for the sake of our nation and our state to get there and do great things,” she said.
On her part, the guest of honour and former Minister, Josephine Anenih, noted the importance of informed participation.
She said: “We need knowledge and education…We are still looking at the men and idol-worshipping them.”
The Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Maria Edekor, cited Africa’s progress with women’s representation through quota systems, even as she encouraged legislative action to secure similar achievements.
Also speaking, Professor Konkure Eghafona of the University of Benin, who noted that women’s participation leads to balanced decision-making, added that “inclusion is not a privilege. It is a necessity.”
Dr. Joan Oviawe, Edo State Commissioner for Education, advocated for direct sponsorship over traditional mentorship. “Mentoring is no longer in vogue… if you want to help a woman, you sponsor her,” she remarked.
Mastercard Foundation Partner, Ukinebo Dare, encouraged women to challenge restrictive systems, asserting that these structures could be re-engineered for inclusivity.
The Nigerian Women in Leadership Forum’s logo, its mission and vision, was unveiled at the conference.
