A recent study by The Qoheleth still shows that there are still low number of women in politics and other leadership positions in the country. The status of women inclusion, participation in governance both at the state and local government levels are nothing to write home about. While there are improvements in women inclusion in finance, health, education and corporate governance sectors, their participation in politics is still discouraging.
Women have shown to be effective and efficient in bold decision making, relationship building, championing change, enhancing collaboration and setting self-ambitious goals. The Lagos state is set to conduct her local government elections. The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwolu has always been at the forefront of those who encourage women to actively participate in politics. It takes courage, determination, and strenuous efforts to take up political challenge in Nigeria.
For Hon. Yemisi Alashe, an experienced women in grassroot politics and social integration to pick up her mantle to vie for the local government chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area indicates that the time is ripe for active women to call the shots especially at the grassroots level.
Hon Alashe has been in politics especially at the local government level for over a decade. She is the Chairperson of Double Star Community Development Association. She was the former Treasurer of Oke Afa, Ejigbo Ward 2, from where she rose to be the Vice Chairman of Oke Afa ward. As a rising community leader, she was appointed the special Adviser on Health to Ejigbo LCDA.
Most importantly, Alashe had served as the Supervisory councillor, Agriculture, Youth and Rural Development at Ejigbo LCDA. Many people interviewed within the Council testify that Hon. Yemisi Alashe was dedicated, courageous and people oriented. According to Mr. Yinka Bagudu, a resident of the community, “Mrs. Alashe is kind hearted, sincere and solution oriented. She assists the poor and aged and solicits for the development of the community.”
On the same mode, Mr. Igwe Olumba, a business man in Ejigbo states that; “ Hon. Alashe is not a tribalist. When I met her initially, I thought she was Igbo until I was told that she is not. She mixes up with both young and old and carries people along in her style of leadership.”
“Mrs. Alashe improved our Agric sector when she served under Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan. She also improved the healthcare sector in the community throughout her tenure. We all testify to this both in our political party and beyond,” said a member of APC who preferred to be anonymous.
Hon. Alashe is an active member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and had worked towards the success of the party at the federal, state and local government levels. A graduate of Yaba College of Technology, Yemisi as he is fondly called has enhanced collaboration with all groups within the political party she belongs. She has built bridges and mend fences especially during times of internal crisis. Through this, she has inspired total dedication to all the teams that at one point or the other serves in Ejigbo LCDA.
According to her; “I have paid my dues within the party. I have made measurable contributions towards the growth of our Council area as well as the communities in it. This is why I was able to identify the challenges within the LCDA will proffer effective solutions if given the opportunity to serve ss the Chairman during the forth coming Council elections.”
Speaking further to The Qoheleth, Hon. Alashe spelt out her mission if she is elected as the chairman of Ejigbo LCDA.
“I will Improve and grant access to quality education and healthcare. Our health centres will be upgraded to the required standard. Through this, children, the aged and widow’s will be catered for. There will be empowerment programmes where youths and women will be trained in various skills to create jobs and reduce poverty within the council areas. Development at the grassroot level entails provision of infrastructures. In view of this, I will build more schools, inner roads as well as engage in human capacity development. For more economic development, I will create more markets and create facilities for job creation. They say work without play make jack a dull boy. The youths will be encouraged to engage in sporting activities. There will be recreation hubs in the six wards for indoor games and relaxation for both the young and elderly people. The youths will also be encouraged to participate in various sports activities especially in football. We will run a transformational government that will benefit all.”
The graduate of Yaba College of Technology promised to set Ejigbo LCDA as first among equals. As a responsible mother, Alashe intends bringing her versatile experience to bear in the grassroot administration.
“Being a woman is not a disadvantage but a benefit because women have shown to be better managers and administrators in various sectors where they were granted the opportunities. Mine will not be less,” She concluded
