-2024: What Ondo Stands to gain with first Female Governor.
As governance is all about organising and managing the human and capital resources of a state, there is always dire need to have the best amongst equals saddled with this responsibility to lead the state to a higher height.
Less than 10 months time, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) will be jostling for a successor who would succeed the incumbent Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in the party's primary and later for the 2024 governorship election in the state.
Amongst the contenders for the foremost APC job as next occupier of Alagbaka on February 24, 2025, the incumbent Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Catherine Odu, is the most suitably qualified candidate for the job.
Aside being a top government functionary in the Akeredolu-led government, Princess Odu possesses a wide range of skills and expertise that will be beneficial in governing a state like Ondo. Her legal arsenal and years of experience will add great finesse to the executive arm of government like never before, while her wealth of experience in the academia will bear immensely on policy formulation and implementation.
Holding fort for the present administration as the Secretary to the Government, she has gained valuable experience in managing governmental affairs, coordinating departments and making critical decisions. These leadership and administrative skills are key roles played by the executive arm. This is a testament to the fact that the emergence of Odu as the first female Governor of Ondo State is another Daniel come to judgment in the largest Black man's nation across the world.
Due gender representation and 35 Percent Affirmative Action, which is one of the hallmarks of democracy, will be fulfilled in Ondo State if Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu clinches the APC ticket next year. This will not only promote gender equality and representation in government but also inclusiveness and provide an opportunity for women to have a voice in making policies and programs that impact their lives.
It will also inspire young girls and women to pursue leadership roles and contribute to the development of the state, bringing to fore quality role model situations. For the ruling APC, it will be an easy win against other political parties as the party will coast to victory leveraging the numerical strength and sentiments attached to a female candidature.
Again, gender marginalization and under-representation will be sad tales in the past with a female governor in the saddle. Odu will emplace a drastic turn on critical issues that had been historically overlooked, such as: domestic violence, sexual harassment, maternal health, and women's economic empowerment etc. With a governor of their kind and gender, there will be coordinated advocacy and synergy that will lead to the implementation of policies that address these issues and improve the lives of women in the state.
Studies have shown that gender diversity in leadership positively impacts economic outcomes. Female governors tend to focus more on promoting women's entrepreneurship, supporting women-owned businesses, and closing the wide gender gaps. By fostering a conducive environment for women's economic participation, they will contribute to the overall economic development of the state.
On improved governance and accountability, research proves that women in leadership positions tend to exhibit higher levels of ethical behaviour, transparency, and accountability. This, no doubt, will contribute to improved governance practices, sharp reduction in corruption, and increased public trust in governance.
The choice of Princess Oladunni Catherine Odu, amongst other contenders, is to deliberately harness the aforementioned qualities to the advantage of the state so as to consolidate on the tremendous achievements of past administrations and importantly, the gains of the Governor Akeredolu-led government for the betterment of Ondo citizenry.
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