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Summary
AdvoKC Foundation and Naija Feminists Media hosted an X Space discussion on October 31, 2025, to examine Edo State’s progress toward its 35% women’s representation pledge. The speakers emphasised the need for accountability, stronger advocacy, and practical action to ensure women’s equal participation in governance.
AdvoKC Foundation, in collaboration with Naija Feminists Media, hosted an X Space discussion on October 31, 2025, at 5 pm, themed “Honour the 35% Commitment: Where Are the Women in Edo State Cabinet?”
The conversation examined the Edo State Government’s progress toward fulfilling its campaign promise of achieving 35% female representation in governance. Recently, Dr Elizabeth Onome Ebosele was appointed and confirmed as Commissioner by the Edo State House of Assembly in September 2025. The appointment made it three women of 27 Commissioners in Edo State. While this appointment marks a minor improvement, the figure remains far below Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 35% commitment.
The discussion featured an engaging panel including Ms Wonderful Akinwa-Osatemple (humanitarian, entrepreneur, and advocate), Barr. Violet Oghogho Olumese (lawyer and member of the Lion Bar and FIDA Edo State) and Peter O. Aguebor (governance and climate advocate). Nelson Otabor, Programme Assistant at AdvoKC Foundation, moderated the session.
Nelson opened the conversation by recalling Governor Monday Okpebholo’s campaign promise to ensure 35% representation of women in his cabinet by August 2024. He noted that, so far, only 22% of appointed positions are held by women. Citing historic figures like Queen Idia, he emphasised that Edo women have long been central to change and must continue to play active roles in governance.
Barrister Violet Oghogho Olumese provided a legal perspective on the gender imbalance in political appointments. She commended AdvoKC Foundation for its advocacy for women’s inclusion and participation, while stressing that although Nigeria’s laws prohibit discrimination, the enforcement remains weak. She also noted that the governor still has time within his tenure to fulfil his campaign promise, adding that it is crucial to stay vigilant and ensure that those in power do the right thing.
Humanitarian advocate Wonderful Akinwa-Osatemple explained the broader impact of women’s exclusion from governance. She noted that when women are not included in policy and decision-making, the outcomes fail to reflect society’s true needs.
She cited examples from Rwanda, where increased women’s representation led to improved governance and development outcomes. Advocate Wonderful added that including women promotes social equality, reshapes gender stereotypes, and benefits key sectors such as healthcare and the economy.
Peter O. Aguebor emphasised that sustainable development cannot be achieved without inclusion. He reiterated that women remain underrepresented in Edo State despite a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Abuja mandating the federal government to implement the 35% affirmative action for women in all appointive positions. He noted that Edo women and civil society organisations could take legal action if the promise remains unfulfilled.
Peter also called for stronger grassroots advocacy and awareness, stressing that the movement should go beyond social media. He urged the use of radio, TV and community outreach to demand accountability. He described the Okpehbolo accountability tool as vital for monitoring government promises and ensuring transparency.
A participant in the X Space discussion, Luqman, contributed that Nigeria’s challenge lies not in policy creation, as the country already has many good policies. He emphasised that the real issue is poor implementation and called for more practical action.
The session ended with the moderator reminding participants that women’s political participation is a fundamental right, not a privilege. He called on all stakeholders to keep demanding accountability and inclusion in Edo State’s governance, stressing that every person is born equal, regardless of gender.
