Women Radio 91.7 with the support of UNWomen Nigeria engaged key stakeholders in Oyo state to ensure women exercise their civic rights in a peaceful and non violent atmosphere in the forthcoming 2019 elections. Visits to Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Imam Ibadan land, National Orientation Agency, INEC and ministry of Women Affairs saw Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio 91.7 advocating for a non violent election against women and to encourage voting for Women to increase female participation.

Speaking at the Palace of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Okewale Sonaiya appealed to (HIM) Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji to admonish Women to come out and vote and for men to create an enabling, peaceful and non-violent environment to allow their wives, daughters, mothers and sisters to go out enmasse to vote. The Olubadan of Ibadanland said 2019 elections will be peaceful and that all will go well for a better Nigeria. The Oba prayed for Nigeria.

Giving his words of advice, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland Sheikh Alhaji Abdul- Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere said women should not shy away from voting but must avoid election violences. He assured Women Radio that messages of peace will be preached across mosques.

On INEC’s readiness for 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC said all is set for a peaceful election devoid of violence against women and persons with disabilities. Mr David Asemo reassured that INEC’s trained personnels,key partners and all security agencies will ensure that polling environment is conducive and safe for Women and electorates in 2019 general elections.

The Oyo State Honorable Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs, Community development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Mrs Atinuke Osunkoya said the #NoToViolenceAgainstWomen advocacy is beneficial to women and urged Oyo women across all local governments to be fearless and go out to vote. Osunkoya said the government is continually educating the people on how to diligently perform their civil rights, shun various vices that could result to election violence and commended Women Radio 91.7.

Princess Dolapo Dosunmu, State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), stated that there is ongoing sensitization for citizens, politicians and security agencies on voter education, shunning electoral violence and malpractices. Dosunmu urged pregnant women, the elderly and persons with disabilities to leave the polling areas once they have excerised their voting rights. She charged Women to be vigilant and accountable for their children on voting day so they are not used for thuggery.

During the 2- day advocacy visits, Adetoun Adebogun program officer stressed the need to allow and encourage eligible women to vote for more women for better representation in governance and to better the lives of women, youths and family.

Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment.

L-R: Olubadan of Ibadan land (HIM) Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji & Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio 91.7

Chief Imam of Ibadanland Sheikh Alhaji Abdul- Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere & Toun Okewale Sonaiya CEO Women Radio

L- R:  Toun Okewale Sonaiya,MD Women Radio 91.7; Mr David Asemo,Adminstrative Secretary,Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) &.Adetoun Adebogun, Advocacy Programme Officer

L- R: Princess Dolapo Dosunmu,State Director,National Orientation Agency(NOA);Toun Okewale Sonaiya,MD Women Radio 91.7

L-R: Adetoun Adebogun advocacy program Officer;Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio 91.7, Mrs Atinuke Osunkoya, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation ;Mrs Christianah Abosede Abioye, AG. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation