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Dr. Olaleke Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has advocated for increased support of women’s political engagement and voter registration.

He made this request on Wednesday as the Osun INEC headquarters in Osogbo was hosting an advocacy visit by the Osun State branch of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.

While praising NAWOJ for stepping up to advocate, Agboke emphasized that INEC’s gender policy is inclusive and encourages cooperation and balance between the sexes in politics, characterizing the issues brought up by NAWOJ as ones that affect everyone.

The REC called on NAWOJ to increase its campaign activities, pointing out the lack of female representation in politics.

He said, “NAWOJ should start the campaign by increasing the tempo of engagement and bring the politicians to the table. I am encouraging the association to foster platforms where women are motivated to contest and participate actively in elections.

“Encourage women to come forward. Let them come even if they lose the election. We will continue to make women have a say and occupy positions of authority, but they must demonstrate capacity.”

Regarding voter registration, the head of Osun INEC pointed out that a large number of women do not have Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, as a result of not being registered.

He informed NAWOJ that INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on August 18, 2025, for online registration, and on August 25 for in-person registration.

Noting that voting is the first step to influencing governance, Agboke asked NAWOJ members to assist in spreading the word to women around the state about the importance of registering, gathering their PVCs, and casting their ballots.

Earlier, Abisola Ariwodola, the chairperson of the Osun NAWOJ, praised INEC for its gender management policies and demanded that women’s political involvement, voter education, and the advancement of gender equality and inclusion be given greater priority.

Ariwodola said, “NAWOJ has been at the forefront of campaigning for inclusion and fair representation of women in positions of authority at both federal and state levels through its activities and programmes.“

“The Osun NAWOJ chairperson also sought collaboration between INEC and NAWOJ to have a strengthened networking and partnership, strengthened institutional capacity and procedures, promote the civic right to life of women and the target beneficiaries via voters education and sensitisation, and contribute to improved quality of life.“

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