Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun has charged women, particularly female media practitioners to play vital role in ensuring that fellow women get right information as well as provide more sustainable platforms necessary to uplift the ambitions of female counterparts.
He gave the charge in a goodwill message at the Radio Nigeria Bronze FM Inaugural lecture and award ceremony held in Benin, the Edo State capital.
According to him, women should be their biggest cheer leaders and supporters in a male dominated society and as such, promote more women who have visible prospects as well as capacity to lead, rather than downplaying their potential. He also encouraged them to utilize available tools to control and change the stereotypical narrative about women.
Rt. Hon. Onobun while thanking the organisers of the event, said the topic of the inaugural lecture was very timely and at a time when the Nation is gearing up for its general elections. He assured the continuous support of the State House of Assembly and his colleagues, especially in the area of creating enabling Laws that would guarantee more press freedom in the execution of their role as fourth estate of the realm.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon Andrew Emwata, who represented the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki delivered a keynote address on theme; Deepening Democracy: Role of the media.
Hon. Emwata acknowledged the role of the media as the link between the government and the people in addition to being the watchdog of the society while ensuring that the government fulfils its responsibility to the people.
He applauded the state journalists for their contribution and apt reportage during the last Edo State gubernatorial election, Edo 2020. He enjoined media practitioners to be fair, firm and credible in the discharge of their duties as reporters.
Mr Speaker was presented with an award in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities of providing stability in Edo State House of Assembly, since he assumed position. He was described as a mobilizer and exemplary trailblazer whose notable works speak for themselves.
Other recipients include Governor Godwin Obaseki, his amiable wife, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Pastor Felix Omobude, the state Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadun, Mrs. Yemi Kolapo amongst other dignitaries.
The Honourable Speaker was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and his special Adviser on strategy and political matters Collins Aigbogun .