By JonesJobo

As we strive for a better future, it's essential to define what a New Nigeria looks like. The Americans had a dream of liberty, prosperity, and personal freedom, which they fought for, wrote into law and turned thirteen scattered colonies into a superpower by believing that freedom was not a luxury but a right.

The Italians had theirs- a dream of beauty, knowledge, and human possibility. They funded artists and raised architects. Out of the darkness of the Middle Ages, they brought light. A light that became the Renaissance and shaped the world.

The Chinese had theirs - a dream of revival after ruin. From decades of poverty, war, and humiliation, they reimagined themselves. They prioritized discipline, invention, and nationhood until the world could no longer ignore their rise.

The French had theirs: a dream of liberty, equality, and fraternity. From the chaos of revolution, they carved a republic. They turned protest into principle, and their art, philosophy, and politics into tools that inspired global movements. Paris became the cultural heart of a generation.

The Japanese had theirs: a dream of rebirth after destruction. After Hiroshima and defeat, they turned devastation into design. In less than 50 years, they rose from ashes to become a global symbol of technology, minimalism, resilience, and quiet power.

Building a New Nigeria:What does a New Nigeria look like?

Is it roads without potholes? Light that stays? Jobs that pay? Leaders that serve? The above mentioned are necessary but are not the dream.

The Nigerian Dream is a nation where the people and government place the country before themselves.

It is a Nigeria where no dreams die in traffic. Where hospitals heal, not harm.

Where children learn about heroes who look like them. Where food is grown with pride, not chemicals. Where you don't have to “japa” to matter.

Where we celebrate the artist, the farmer, the thinker, the builder, all as essential. A Nigeria that does not sleep when the power goes off. A Nigeria that never forgets its own name. A Nigeria that feels like home and fights for itself. We need a nation that thrives in every sector, from medicine to architecture, agriculture to technology. We need a nation that values education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We should fight for a nation that is proud of its heritage and culture and it's committed to building a better future for all its citizens.

Unity Over Regions:

Nigeria is a union of diverse regions. Each with distinct culture, tradition, language and values. Four great rivers of

identity flowing into one nation. Yet, decades after we were drawn together on a single map and given one name “Nigeria” we still treat those rivers as separate. As rivals.Why? Why do I have to be Yoruba to belong to a school? Why must I be Hausa to be seen as a brother? Why do I need to be from Rivers State before I'm allowed to care about Rivers State?

This division and invisible wall we have built between ourselves is not natural but taught, passed down and barricading the idea of birthing a New Nigeria. Nigeria though multifaceted, our diversity should not divide us. Instead, we should celebrate our differences and work towards a common goal of building a united and prosperous nation. It's time to blur the lines that separate us and focus on our shared identity as Nigerians.

What does it mean to be Nigerian? Is it your tribe? Your language? Your skin tone? Or is it your choice to believe in a nation that hasn't fully become, but could? Being Nigerian is not just about carrying a passport. It is to carry a vision that refuses to die. We need a nation that thrives in every sector, from medicine to architecture, agriculture to technology. It's a nation that values education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It's a nation that is proud of its heritage and culture. It's a nation that is committed to building a better future for all its citizens.

We were firstly Nigerians before we became Igbos, Ijaws, Yorubas, Fulanis or Hausas hence must stop voting based on tribe, region, or religion.We must stop choosing a leader because he is one of us and start choosing because he stands for all of us. We love to blame our leaders for our failures but sometimes, the fault lies in our own hands. When we vote for tribal loyalty instead of national vision, when we cry for justice only when it touches our side of the country, then we have shuttled unity and progress. Selective patriotism is what is causing a lot of damages to us.  If we want a Nigeria that our grandchildren will be proud of, a country worth defending, serving, and sacrificing for, then we must start seeing every Nigerian as our kin. We must build a nation that stands above inequality, above tribal feuds, above dying ideologies. A nation that is willing to educate its people not just academically, but emotionally, historically and spiritually.

Educational Reform:

Our current education system needs a overhaul. We need to teach our children about Nigerian history, culture, and values. We need to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to build a better Nigeria. Our education system should focus on producing nation-builders, not just job seekers. Enough of producing graduates who immediately want to leave the country. We must educate patriotic Nigerians who can help fix our home, not abandon it. Our curriculum should accommodate the Nigerian history -not just colonial chapters, but the brilliance that came before and after our heroes who fought, bled, built, and dreamed long before social media gave them hashtags.

We must appreciate our own literature etched by the likes of Achebe, Soyinka, Flora Nwapa, Chimamanda, and thousands more, whose pens shaped generations. 

Finland teaches joy and creativity. Rwanda rebuilt its curriculum around post-genocide healing and national pride. What is Nigeria teaching?

A 2023 UNESCO report found that over 60% of Nigerian children between 6–15 years are not learning at a functional level, despite being in school. That is not just a failure of policy but also a failure of purpose. Education without vision is just memorization and memorization does not change a nation.We must stop copying broken foreign systems and start designing an educational structure that serves our own soil, our own story, and our own spirit.

National Pride:

It's time for Nigerians to take pride in their country. We need to celebrate our achievements and contributions to the world. We need to recognize our potential and work towards realizing it. Let's stop apologizing for who we are and start building a nation that we can be proud of. Too many young Nigerians hate their own land perhaps without realizing it holds more treasure than we can even imagine. Nigeria is one of the most naturally blessed countries on earth with rich resources such as oil, gold, cocoa, rich forests, endless sunlight etc. Beneath our pain lies unmatched creative geniuses, musicians, writers, architects, tech minds, athletes and other supernaturally gifted individuals. Unfortunately, we have been conditioned and trained to believe foreign is better, hence we treat our land like a curse and see  developed countries as a gift.

Colonialism played a massive role in demeaning our culture by telling us our culture was savage, our gods were fake, and our stories were myths.They replaced shrines with statues and made us believe the West was the only way forward. We now act like good taste must come from abroad. We dress like them, think like them, eat their food, and even fight like them. Let's not forget that our originality is our greatest value. We must build a New Outlook in Nigeria. The dreams we think only exist abroad are waiting to be planted right here.

WHAT MUST WE BUILD?

A Nigeria that thrives in every sector.

Medicine:

We must invest in Medicine, not just by building more hospitals, but ensuring they are well equipped with global best practices. Research must be elaborately Funded. Doctors must be empowered.  Medical tourism must be stopped by giving our people the healthcare they need right here.

Architecture:

Our buildings should reflect our spirit. Let our cities breathe personality, art, form, and pride not just gray concrete.

Agriculture:

Nigeria should be feeding Africa. The government must support our farmers, protect our soil, fight insecurity, ensure foods are processed here.

Factories:

 Let's stop exporting raw material and importing finished goods. Factories should be built, jobs created and empowerment of youths guaranteed in order to close economic wounds.

Creative Arts: Our music moves the world. Our films light up screens. We must fund our creative arts, respect them, push them forward and reap from them.

Technology: young creators should be given tools to innovate. Our own Silicon. Valley is not a dream but a decision.

Defense & Security:.Government owe it as a duty to protect those who protect us. Dignity and proper gear should be given to our soldiers, police, and peacekeepers.

Education: Government has to create schools that build citizens, not just employees. To love our country doesn't mean ignoring her problems, but believing the problems are worth solving.

Let's teach our children that Nigeria is not a place to escape, but a place to build. Let's stop praying for change and start educating for it because the dream of a better Nigeria won't fall from the sky. It will rise brick by brick, thought by thought, child by child from the classroom, to the soil, to the soul.

The People Versus The Government:

We must stop blaming everything on the government because the government is not some distant, alien being. The government is made up of people. We are the government. If we, as individuals, are selfish, tribalistic, corrupt, greedy, or lazy, what makes us think our leadership will be any different? We criticize those in power for stealing, yet we inflate prices, take snatches, cheat systems, break queues, forge documents, lie on forms, and proudly “cut corners.”. How we treat power on a small scale, in classrooms, families, churches, and traffic, is exactly how power manifests on a national scale. When we assume positions of authority, we only take care of our tribe, our circle, our bank account?. The rot in the system didn't start in Aso Rock. It started in the hearts of people who stopped believing in the collective good. Our leaders are products of a wounded system. They carry the trauma of colonization, the fear of inadequacy, the addiction to foreign validation. But we can't keep using that trauma as an excuse. We must dare to heal. We must rewrite the blueprint. We must create a vision for a New Nigeria. We can't move forward until we own our direction. If we want a nation that works, then we must start working on ourselves. 

The first step towards a New Nigeria is changing how we see one another: Not as rivals, tribes nor as enemies, but as Nigerians. Let us begin with unity. Let us build our future on truth. Let us fund and support our own people. Let's believe again in Nigeria, in each other, and in ourselves. Because the seed of a nation doesn't grow in speeches. It grows in sacrifice. The Nigerian dream won't come true because we hope for it. It will come true because we work for it, stand for it. Let us build something that our grandchildren won't have to run from, but will rise for with pride, with purpose and with power.

Let's work together to build a New Nigeria that we can be proud of. A nation that is united, prosperous, and peaceful. A nation that is guided by a shared vision and a common purpose. Let's make it happen.

Women have the power to influence men and situations around them. They can achieve this using their beauty, skills, sexuality, character, loyalty, intelligence and charm. Women have been used to set traps for indomitable and matchless heros like Samson in the Bible according to the book of Judges. He was a mighty and stoic warrior. The thought of him sends cold sweats down his enemies' spines. He was widely celebrated and feared but was captured by a woman who ordinarily cannot stand  his greatness. King David, the man after God's own heart could not resist a woman. He forgot who he was and what he represents at the sight of a naked woman. King Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines yet could not withstand the charm and personality of the Shulamite woman. The Great Adolf Hitler, a German politician and leader of the Nazi Party, a resounding historic figure, the man behind the murder of six million Jews suddenly became fond of a Jewish little girl Rosa Bernile Nienau. His genuine affinity for the young girl amazed everyone, a notorious hater of the Jews suddenly protecting a Jew. She was called Hitler's sweetheart. The great Hitler cherished his friendship with the little girl. She puts smiles on his serious face. 

 Love according to Paulo Coelho "is an untamed force. When we try to control it, it destroys us. When we try to imprison it, it enslaves us. When we try to understand it, it leaves us feeling lost and confused". Some of the great and respected men in our society today dance to the tunes of ordinary women even prostitutes.  They readily obey the commands of these women especially when it's conditional. 

The power of a woman lies in her submission and loyalty to her man. Submission is service not slavery. It is not weakness but is a great strength. When a woman submits to her man, it will increase her respect before him. You can easily find favor in the eyes of your boss or people around when you are loyal. Most times it takes stooping to conquer. Men are bossy and egoistic in nature, and therefore hate women that treat them in ways that diminish their egos or make them feel inadequate. 

Some women indirectly manipulate their husbands but with wisdom. It is with a smooth tongue that the snail sails through the thorns. No matter how hardened a man is, a woman with his password can live happily and peacefully with him. 

Oscar Wilde once said that "You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their posh car, but because they sing a song only you can hear". That song is the password.  The password that she alone knows how to use. With the use of the password the man becomes accessible, enjoyable, gullible and even controllable. 

 An adage says that a gentle-voiced wife cheats her husband.  Men distaste loud-voiced woman. Gentility is not cowardice. It is a great strength. Good men love happy and peaceful homes. Once a woman is capable of making a man happy and feel peaceful, she has automatically become an angel irrespective of her physical appearance. 

Every seemingly ugly woman has something beautiful about her.

The power of a woman also lies in her knowledge, wisdom and intelligence. A woman should seek knowledge, read books, chase positive innovations and become versatile. Be that woman that has an idea about business, farming, cooking, politics, government, sports, entertainment and virtually everything. You need ideas to build your home, to raise your children, to achieve your dreams and to be that helpmate God mandated you to be. Let people seek you because of what you can offer not because they want to use you. 

The Power of a woman is evident in her skills. What can you do? What solution can you bring? What problem can you solve? Are you satisfied with just being a wife and mother when others are CEOs and Directors of companies and organizations, yet great wives and mothers. Every woman needs a skill. Your cooking skills can be an irresistible attraction. Your digital or conventional skills can open chapters of opportunities for you as a woman. No woman is permitted to be a liability in this age. Be a problem solver. Women are becoming more. If you don't have a skill, get one, you will need it now or later. 

The Power of a woman is perfected in her character, charm and personality. What is your strength and what is your weakness?. Your character can make you powerful, sought after and appealing. Your attitude and lifestyle can be more eloquent than your voice. There is a lot of strength and power in a distinguished character. Your refusal to do the wrong things may cost you material things momentarily but sticking to a life of virtue pays greater dividends. Your charm, smiles, beautiful features, dress sense, sensibility and lovable personality can open doors that your certificates can't. 

Do not use your physical beauty for ashes. You are worth more than few minutes pleasure. You are worth more than being a secret. You should not only have your body to offer. Your power does not lie in-between your legs. It lies in the strength of your character. Use your power to touch lives, bring solutions and contribute meaningfully to the society. Don't use your sexuality to break homes, maim lives and betray trusts.

Every February 6th brings to mind a brutal and heinous form of abuse and violence against over 230 million girls and women all over the world. This day makes us conscious of the physical, emotional and psychological pains and harm done to innocent women just to satisfy or justify a tradition of a given people. 

As the world celebrates the international day for zero tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation with the theme "Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM", let us learn about the hazards, dangers and hurts done to girls and women each time you mutilate them.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice of removing partial or total external genitalia of girls and young women for non-medical reasons. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue which  interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. This is mostly done as a tradition in many places to instill self control and sexual purity in young girls. 

When a girl child is circumcised, her natural body system changes. The way God created her body to react and function, changes. Her sensitizations reduce drastically. She may or may not have urge or desire for sexual intercourse with the opposite sex including her future husband. 

Some cultures promote FGM as a certain way of ensuring a young girl keeps her virginity for her future husband and remains faithful to her husband. The proponents of this traditional practice forgot to note that when a girl child is mutilated, she doesn't desire a man including the future husband she is being reserved her for. Harmony and intimacy in marriage is under serious threat with FGM. 

Let us ascertain some other short term and long term complications of FGM.

Immediate complications of FGM can include severe pain, excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), genital tissue swelling, fever, infections e.g.tetanus, urinary problems, wound healing problems, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, death etc. 

Long-term complications can include, Urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections);

Vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections);

Menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.);

Scar tissue and keloid;

Sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.);

Increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths;

need for later surgeries: women with Type 3 might require deinfibulation (opening the infibulated scar to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth.

psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc.

FGM is an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women. It has been proven to be of no benefit to girls and women, instead it is a violation of their human rights, their rights to good health, life and proper growth.  

FGM is categorised into four types, they are:

Type 1: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).

Type 2: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).

Type 3: Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.

Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.

It is worthy to note however, that the four types of FGM mentioned above poses health risks but the risk is greater with more severe forms of FGM. None of them should be practised no matter how simple it appears. 

It is appalling that even health workers are performing FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized, and also that medicalization of FGM could be a first step towards full abandonment of the practice. Health Care Providers should be advocates for FGM abandonment within the hospital environment, their families and communities. It has been proven that FGM has no health benefits, instead it harms girls and women in many ways. This year's awareness creation is to ingrave the dangers of FGM in the hearts of mothers, fathers and every member of the society. Let's say NO to FGM. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) should be appluaded for its strong fight against FGM. It strongly urges health workers not to perform FGM and has developed a global strategy and specific materials to support the health sector and health workers themselves to end FGM medicalization. With WHO’s support and training, many health care providers are becoming advocates for FGM abandonment within the clinical setting, their families and communities.

 We must step up the pace, strengthen alliances and movements to end Female Genital Mutilation.

 describes Lawmaker as a beacon of sincerity

Chima Mathew Amadi a renowned scholar Cum Transparency advocate , paid a solidarity visit to the Representative of Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere on 31th December, 2024 in his home town, Akokwa in Ideato South LGA of Imo State. 

The occasion, which took place on a crisp December day, was marked by a massive turnout of over 10,000 people, who gathered to listen to Dr. Amadi's words of encouragement and praise for Ikenga.

Dr. Amadi's visit was a testament to his unwavering support for Ikenga, whom he described as a "strong pillar of support" and a beacon of sincerity in a political landscape dominated by desperation. He thanked the people of Ideato for standing by Ikenga in his time of need, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to his cause.

"Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is a man of unimpeachable character, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of our people," Dr. Amadi said. "His sincerity and integrity are qualities that we should all emulate, and I am proud to stand with him in solidarity."

The highlight of the visit was Dr. Amadi's generous donation of ₦50 million to support the development of the Ideato nation. This gesture was met with widespread applause and appreciation from the crowd, who saw it as a testament to Dr. Amadi's dedication to the well-being of the community.

Dr. Amadi's solidarity visit to Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere sends a powerful message about the importance of unity and support in the face of adversity. As a respected figure in Imo State, Dr. Amadi's endorsement of Ikenga is a significant boost to his reputation and a clear indication of his commitment to the values of sincerity and integrity.

The visit has been hailed as a major milestone in the political landscape of Imo State, and its impact is expected to be felt for a long time to come. As the people of Ideato and beyond celebrate this historic moment, they are reminded of the power of unity and solidarity in achieving greatness.

As 1,000 Widows, Others Benefit From Cash Donations, Scholarships, Sports Tournaments 

Encomiums have continued to trail the kick off #200M intervention project of Dr. Chima Amadi on the 1st of December, 2024 in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

 Launched under the Jude and Juliana Foundation, the initiative is redefining philanthropy in Owerri zone with an array of groundbreaking events and interventions designed to uplift lives and foster unity.

The highly anticipated football tournament, which began on December 1st at the iconic Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuekwune, has already set the region abuzz. This year’s competition features 25 local teams from Ngor Okpala battling for glory and substantial prizes of ₦3 million for the champions, ₦2 million for the runners-up, and ₦1 million for third place. Individual awards of ₦100,000 for the Best Player and Highest Goal Scorer, ₦50,000 for the Best Goalkeeper, and#100,000 support received by every team to aid preparations all added an extra layer of excitement to the event. 

This year’s project also introduced a dedicated women’s sports event, marking a bold step toward gender inclusivity. Women from across the Owerri zone are showcasing their athleticism and teamwork, competing for prizes that mirror the men’s tournament. This new addition reflects Dr. Amadi’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and inspiring future female athletes.

The month-long festivities will reach their pinnacle on December 31st with a series of unforgettable events. The day is expected to begin with the much-anticipated 10km Marathon, bringing together athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the region in a test of endurance and determination.

The excitement will seamlessly transition into an End-of-Year Party, a vibrant celebration of community, featuring live entertainment, cultural displays, and a festive atmosphere that unites people from all walks of life.

Crowning the day’s events is Dr. Amadi’s extraordinary act of generosity: ₦50,000 cash donations to 1,000 widows, providing them with renewed hope and dignity as they step into the new year. This generosity is further amplified by scholarships for hundreds of deserving students, comprehensive health insurance for vulnerable families, and grants for small business owners—initiatives designed to empower individuals and build stronger communities.

Earlier this year, Dr. Amadi garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the August Meeting, an annual gathering of women in southeastern Nigeria that promotes development and unity. His continued commitment to grassroots development, as seen in this year’s philanthropy, underscores his deep investment in the welfare of the Ngor Okpala community.

While the football tournament and women’s sports events have taken the spotlight, the ripple effects of Dr. Amadi’s interventions are being felt across all sectors. Local businesses are thriving from the influx of visitors, young talents are gaining exposure, and families are benefitting from health and education programs. By integrating entertainment with empowerment, Dr. Amadi is crafting a model of philanthropy that transforms lives on every level.

From its kickoff on December 1st to the grand finale on December 31st, the Owerri zone has become a hub of activity, joy, and transformation. Dr. Amadi’s ₦200 million Yuletide Philanthropy is not just a seasonal celebration but a movement that inspires hope, opportunity, and unity across Imo State.

 By Anselm Igwe

Oguta Local Government, with its headquarters in Oguta town, was once a beacon of progress and development in Imo State. Unfortunately, the local government has succumbed to the ravages of time, neglect, and poor governance.

As the great Nigerian leader, Obafemi Awolowo, once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." For Oguta Local Government, the future seems uncertain, but there is hope.

In the 1980s, Oguta Local Government was a thriving hub of economic activity, with its fishery and farming industries flourishing. The local government was known for its vibrant markets, bustling towns, and peaceful communities. The iconic Oguta Lake, a popular tourist destination, attracted visitors from around the world. Even today, those who visited Oguta Lake in the 80's still hold it in high esteem, unaware of the stark reality that the present Oguta is a shadow of its former self, like an unconscious frog under the influence of trichloromethane.

Poverty, insecurity, and lack of opportunities have become the norm. The fishery and farming industries, which were once the lifeblood of the local economy, have been left to decay. The absence of government incentives and support has pinched on the nerves of growth, leaving the people to struggle in hopelessness.

Furthermore, the activities of oil companies such as Seplat, Sterling Global, and others have devastated the environment, leaving the host communities helpless. The once-pristine waters and fertile lands are now polluted, causing untold suffering to the people. The so-called leaders have turned a blind eye to this destruction, choosing instead to line their pockets with selfish benefits from these companies.

As President Muhammadu Buhari once said, "We must work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace and prosperity." For Oguta Local Government, that work begins with leadership that truly cares.

Obodo Johnbosco Chimaokwu; the most prepared candidate ready to kick the ball rolling, a man of unimpeachable character and vision, has stepped forward to lead Oguta Local Government out of the darkness. As a virgin politician and seasoned local government administrator, untainted by the corruption and greed that has ravaged the local government, Obodo brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to true service.

A devout Christian, Obodo's leadership is guided by the principles of integrity, compassion, and justice. He is a man who 'fears God' by 'honouring humanity' with a touch of conscience, passion and intelligence with a proven track record of selflessness and dedication to the common good.

As the late Nigerian statesman, M.K.O. Abiola, once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Oguta Local Government has indeed fallen, but with Obodo, we can rise again.

Let us not trade our future for fleeting gains. Let us choose a leader who will restore Oguta's glory, who will revitalize our economy, and who will bring peace and prosperity to our people. A leader who will stand up to the oil companies and demand justice for our communities.

Obodo Johnbosco Chimaokwu is that leader. Let us rally behind him and reclaim our local government's dignity. The time for change is now. Vote wisely, Oguta APC delegates! Vote wisely Oguta local Government Area! Join the moving train now! 

Women are under represented at all levels of decision making worldwide and achieving gender parity in the Political leadership is almost impossible.Despite the numbers and active involvement of women in voting during elections, they are under represented both in elective and appointive positions.

 Women assume key roles of a Mother, Producer, Home manager, Societal Organizer, Socio- Cultural Activist but despite their visible roles and the fact that they constitute almost half of the country's population, they have not been given the recognition they deserve. This is due to some cultural stereotypes, traditional practices, patriarchal societal structures and lots more. 

 Since the creation of Imo State, there has been one or two or no female Lawmaker in each Assembly out of 27 LGAs. Women are sparingly elected as Lawmakers, despite having more women electorate. 

 One can imagine what happens to women related issues and bills at the floor of the House. The 9th Assembly gave us a glimmer of hope for the women, produced two proactive, reputable women who made profound impacts and became indelible in history. They coordinated actions which gave Imo State Violence Against Person Prohibition Law (VAPP) on December 15th, 2021, which has today amongst several other beautiful things, given women right to family inheritance. Women should not only be remembered when it is time to bath or feed their sick parents but should also have rights to benefit from the common wealth of the family they belong to, married or not.

The current Imo 10th Assembly has no woman Lawmaker. It is a cause for concern as the voices, passions, interests and challenges of women may not be given the necessary attention. No matter how feminine a man is at heart, he cannot relate with the aspirations and needs of a woman like a woman would. Lack of adequate women participation in Politics and leadership is the reason bills on Women do not scale through.

 Our traditional institutions have no place for women, this is why there is a lot of domestic violence, subjugation, denials and magnlization especially in our rural communities because at that level, the women are voiceless. In the Ezes' cabinet, for instance, there is usually no female representative of the women folk, as such, women are not given the privilege or right to air their views. Imagine a scenario where a woman wants to report a rape or battering incident to a cabinet of men in a village setting.

With zero women representation in the 10th Assembly, there should be more appointive positions for women to achieve balance and ensure equal opportunity.   Men are doing well in political positions, but women need to be allowed to step up to balance the equation.

It is imperative for more appointive positions to be given to female politicians and technocrats in Imo State to achieve the affirmative action in the National Gender Policy of 2021 to 2026. We request Hope Uzodinma  to consider appointing many women into strategic positions in this second tenure, as we applaud him for choosing a woman Deputy Governor. We are confident that our voices will be loud through her. Choosing a female running mate, has clearly expressed how deeply Governor Hope Uzodinma values the role of women in politics and recognizes their ability to contribute effectively to the development and progress of the state.

Women's appointment to strategic positions will further bring sustainability to Imo nascent democracy. Women are the backbones of families and communities. They play significant roles in community building and often do well in community development. 

Women are naturally gifted and endowed to survive and endure complex situations, which equips them with experiences and maturity needed to excel in leadership positions.

As we anticipate seeing the new cabinet of Governor Uzodinma's second tenure, we hope to see many women in appointive positions.