CSOs to Edo govt: Appoint substantive First Lady, not coordinator

The Edo Progressives Alliance (EPA) has call on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to abolish the coordinator role in the Office of the First Lady and enthrone a substantive First Lady to ensure authentic leadership and accountability. The Convener of EPA, Comrade Gift Okiyi with other members made the call during the alliance press […]

The Edo Progressives Alliance (EPA) has call on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to abolish the coordinator role in the Office of the First Lady and enthrone a substantive First Lady to ensure authentic leadership and accountability.

The Convener of EPA, Comrade Gift Okiyi with other members made the call during the alliance press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

“We ask the Edo State Governor to act fast and restore first Lady office because there is nothing like Coordinator’ office. There are several women groups in Edo State focusing on empowerment, education, healthcare, and social justice. Some notable groups include, Edo Women Development Association, which offers community services, education and healthcare programs for women and girls.

“The Edo Market women Association is another prominent group, actively involved in promoting women’s interests and economic empowerment. Additionally, the international Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Edo State Branch is also another viable group that is working to protect women’s and children’s rights through advocacy and legal support.

“This is aside numerous faith based women groups, political groups and community based groups all over the state be it Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central, one thing that is peculiar to the state is the zeal and the willingness of Edo women both old and young to participate in issues that affect their wellbeing and the generality of the people,” Okiyi stated.

She said that however, the people need first lady in Edo State, as the women deserve a direct representative with recognised authority, and not a mere coordinator.

She stated that the current structure, as highlighted by academic critiques perpetuates opacity in funding and undermines accountability.

She said, “A substantive First Lady would align with global democratic standards, accessing funds from donor international Non-Governmental Organisations, ensuring programs are budgeted, overseen, and free from coercive fundraising practices.

“We therefore demand and urge the Governor to replace the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady with a conventionally recognized First Lady. Adopt amendments to define duties and funding sources for the office of the First Lady.”

She equally appealed to the Oba of Benin, the Onojie of Irrua, Otaru of Auchi and all traditional rulers in Edo State to intervene in governance matters threatening Edo’s cultural values.

“For our Future, the Edo State’s women, from market traders to professionals, require a visible advocate with institutional power. A First Lady would therefore:
Address systemic issues like multiple taxation in markets and infrastructure gaps highlighted in Governor Okpebholo’s campaign pledges.

“The Governor should reflect the principles of justice and equity among women and children. The Edo Progressives Alliance urge His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo to priotize structural reforms over symbolic roles. We call on our revered Royal Fathers, to leverage his cultural authority to protect Edo’s governance from regressive influences. Together we can build a state where women’s leadership is not only viable but also transformative,” Okiyi stated.