The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Olaleke Mutiu Agboke, has called for intensified advocacy to enhance women’s participation in politics and boost voter registration among women.

Dr. Agboke made the appeal on Wednesday when the Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) paid a courtesy visit to the INEC office in Osogbo.

Commending the association for its advocacy efforts, the REC described the issues raised by NAWOJ as “critical to national development” and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to gender inclusion.

He noted that the Commission’s gender policy promotes equal representation and encourages women to play active roles in the political process.

Highlighting the underrepresentation of women in political offices, Agboke urged NAWOJ to intensify its campaigns and engage stakeholders.

“NAWOJ must raise the tempo of engagement. Bring politicians to the table, encourage women to contest—even if they lose, the experience counts. Capacity and courage are key,” he said.

Dr. Agboke also addressed the challenge of voter registration, pointing out that many women remain disenfranchised due to the lack of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He called on NAWOJ to support the mobilization of women ahead of the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which begins online on August 18, 2025, and physically on August 25.

“Let the message reach every woman across Osun—register, collect your PVC, and vote. Participation is the first step toward representation and influence,” he emphasized.

Earlier in her remarks, Chairperson of Osun NAWOJ, Abisola Ariwodola, commended INEC for its gender policies and called for stronger collaboration to promote women’s involvement in politics, voter education, and governance.

“NAWOJ has been consistent in advocating for inclusion and fair representation of women at all levels through its programmes. We seek strategic partnership with INEC to improve civic engagement, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote the political rights of women,” she stated.