Three research scholars from Harvard University, USA, MOI University, Nairobi Kenya and University of Lagos, Nigeria have commended a former Female Lawmaker, who represented Ikorodu Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 7th Legislative Assembly, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola for her impactful representation.
Akinsola, who was the first female State legislator to have represented Ikorodu Constituency 2 was commended by the scholars for her highly impactful representation in the 7th Assembly.
The commendation was conveyed by the trio of Dr. Hellen Kilelo, a post-doctoral fellow from MOI University, Nairobi, Kenya; Dr. Isaiah Olayode, a doctoral candidate in the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG); and Diekara Oloruntoba-Oju from Harvard University, USA, a doctoral fellow,
recognized the values and wisdom of Akinsola during a visit to the former Assembly Member as part of their research work.
The three international researchers who are working on various research projects about WOMEN ADVOCACY AND IMPACT IN GOVERNANCE, acknowledged her depth of knowledge and insight based on her experience as a former state legislator.
Hon. Akinsola’s detailed and example-filled responses to the questions
were so pleasing to the researchers that the interview meant to last for less than an hour lasted more than two hours.
Questions spanned her
background, education and journey into politics. In addition, the process of making and passing Laws in Lagos State, and the committees she was part of while in the Lagos state house of Assembly was discussed too.
With that came some of the challenges that women face in politics.
The scholars also asked about how the Assembly Members lobby for various bills to be passed into Law,
Responding, Akinsola explained that, ‘Lobbying is not a prerequisite for bills to be passed into law in Lagos state. Lagos State House of Assembly is independent of external influence and it’s not a RUBBER STAMP ASSEMBLY, for a bill to be passed into law in lagos state, it must first be beneficial to the citizens of Lagos State, if this first criteria is not fulfilled, the bill is DEAD ON ARRIVAL’.
She also spoke on the challenges faced by Women legislators.
‘Citizens are yet to differentiate a legislator from a Non-Governmental foundation. A Legislator is meant to represent the people of her constituency at the House of Assembly and propagate laws that will benefit the lives of citizens of her constituency and state at large’.
Dr Kilelo also wondered why women often seem to be their own worst enemies when it comes to supporting each other in politics. Despite women having a larger population than men, they often fail to support one another.
Dr Helen Kilelo concluded by commending the Igbogbo-born former Commissioner for Tourism for her outstanding contributions to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Kilelo, who is currently conducting research on women’s policy contributions in the Lagos State House of Assembly, confessed that she was particularly impressed by Akinsola’s vibrant and impactful contributions during her time in the house.
She disclosed that she had read about Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola’s contributions and was delighted to glean more about her experiences in person, noting that, Hon. Akinsola was recommended to her from the research directorate of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who facilitated the interview.
The researchers who were visibly impressed by Hon Akinsola ‘s depth of knowledge and eloquence expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to interview her and promised to follow her progress and continued contributions to the people of Lagos State.
