By Abah Joshua
Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku is a grassroot politician who started politics as a local government supervisory councillor in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
She is currently the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state after serving as Chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria ( ALGON) in the state during her tenure as the Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Princess Iyioku was the first female council chairman in Ohaozara and the first female ALGON chairman in Ebonyi State and has touched many lives at the grassroots.
Speaking to journalist in Abakaliki, she commended the Ebonyi State government right from its creation for always carrying women along noting that Ebonyi has surpassed 35% affirmative action.
She urged up coming women in politics to be totally submissive to their husband in order to enjoy his support
“I thank God for the type of Governor’s he has been giving to Ebonyi people starting from the first executive governor of the state Sam Egwu carried woman along followed by elechi , David Umahi and now the current governor Nwifuru they have all carried women along in their administration that is way you see alot of Ebonyi women in politics and we have exceeded 30% affirmative action .
“Yes Ebonyi women in politics now are many compared to before. In the local government area, the women are doing very well. Those at Exco are doing very well. Those in board, state assembly there are all performing very well, and I want to assure our Governor Francis Nwifuru that we would not let his government down. And we still want him to bring more women into politics, shall carry everybody, including the men, along .
“I thank the wife of the Governor for standing for women even those that have not been appointed, she have empwered them in different skills and encourage her to continue to carry the women of Ebonyi State along we will not disappoint her .
HER PERIOD IN POLITICS
I started in the grassroots as a supervisor, from there I moved in as a secretary from there I was appointed a coordinator of development centre, later I was elected as a council chairman for 3 years from council chairman to SSA and now I am a Commissioner.
Most striking achievements as a woman in politics. Well, let me say that since I started politics as the only female in ALGON southeast as Ebonyi ALGON chairman, I did a lot. It was during my time that ALGON completed its house. we didn’t start the project, but we completed it and moved in.
Not only that, there are a lot of things in the local government working with the men as brothers and sisters.
During my time, there was peace in the local government areas, and that transformed to State . For me to coordinate the chairmen and for local governments to be peaceful throughout our five years in office, I thank God. Not only that, I was appointed the National Treasurer of ALGON , and even now, there are still carrying me along because I contributed my quota.
Note! I was the first female executive chairman to be elected in Ohaozara, our people don’t believe a woman can lead the local government but I surpassed the hurdles I don’t compete with the men but during my time I created impact at the grassroot there is no way you will mention my name in Ohaozara Local Government that people will not say “yes she left my projects “ for me to coordinate ALGON then and for Rural people to feel the impact of my administration was a big achievement for me.
TO UPCOMING WOMEN IN POLITICS
Your loyalty and submissive to your husband are very important , so he will give you all the necessary support. Then hardworking you will not relax that you are a woman and you will not record any achievement. You have to work hard to deliver on the assignment given to you by so you make your women proud , you make the state proud especially the wife of the Governor who has been advocating for more women inclusion in politics.
As a woman, know that power comes from God, pray all the time, be submissive to your husband, work hard, and you will succeed.
PRINCESS IYIOKU AS ALGON CHAIRMAN IN EBONYI
When I was in ALGON, some time if I tells them this is how I want us to do it, they will feel is it a woman that, how can a woman be coordinating us like this? But as time goes on we were able to work together seeing us as a weaker vessel is a challenge and in politics there is no way you will carry everybody along at same time but you should be able to carry at least 80 or 80% of the people along. And also I politics there is no way you will not have challenges some people will fabricate lies against you but if you are focused, hardworking and put God first there is no challenge you will not over come.