As 2011 elections approach, YB Outreach, a non-government organisation, NGO, concerned with woman emancipation and empowerment of the less privileged, has called on political parties contesting the 2011 general elections to allot the position of  Vice President and Deputy Governors in all the 36 states of the Federation to women.

The call was made in Lagos by the Coordinator of the NGO, Mrs Yinka Babalola at the official public presentation and launching of the YB Outreach where more than 100 women, youths and widows were supported with trade and commercial materials.

The materials include cooler with crates of soft drinks, MTN and GLO lines with phones, chairs, tables and canopies to enable the beneficiaries start self employed businesses.

Babalola explained that with economic viability women can take the bull by the horn and get involved more in politics, especially to seek elective positions that would enable them introduce a new culture of good governance in Nigeria’s politics.

According to her, “what we need in 2011 are elections that will bring about political transformation and consequent transformation in other areas of our national lives. The arrangement should be man for President, woman for Vice President.”


She pointed out that a few days ago in Port Harcourt, the first lady of the Federation, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan flagged off a woman empowerment programme; likewise the first lady in Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Fashola has been proactively involved in women empowerment programme to enable women to be more active in politics.

Babalola maintained that the presentation of the empowerment materials was the first of its kind as YB Outreach has given soft loans to widows in the last five years since the existence of the NGO to either start a small trade or stabilise their businesses.

Also, it has trained ladies in acquiring different skills like catering, photography and hairdressing with the aim to reshape and re-awaken hopes of the women and the less privileged in the society.