In a move to engender female participation and inclusiveness in governance, Mrs. Medina Ebikoro Lemon, popularly known as Woman Tompolo, has emerged as the Chairlady of the coastal Oporoza community, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The inauguration ceremony of the Mrs. Lemon-led executives held in the community's playground on Sunday, April 7, 2024, with the Tonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Dr. Nelson Ogelegbanwei (JP); the Korewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Miebi Aske, and the Ganpamowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Azayei Piniki, among other personalities in attendance.

Giving a brief speech during the inauguration ceremony, Chief Ogelegbanwei, who is the Chairman of Oporoza Elders' Council, stressed on the vital role that women play in the society and as such should be given a special place to also get involved in leadership in order for them to contribute their quota.

While noting the invaluable contributions of women, he charged all in the community including existing leadership structures to give the Mrs. Lemon-led women executives the needed support and to collaborate with her exco for the economic growth and progress of the Oporoza community.

Mrs. Lemon, on behalf of the women executive group, expressed her gratitude and assured of her commitment to serve the community with due diligence and integrity

The woman leader also pledged that they will advocate for the rights and welfare of women, and collaborate with the community executives, chiefs and the youths to promote education, healthcare, and economic empowerment initiatives, in order to foster unity and development within the Oporoza community.

Speaking to PENGlobal Community on the development, the chairman of Oporoza, Mr. Febaide Matthew, said the successful inauguration of the women executive leadership is a welcome development, though the Mrs. Lemon-led women executive is not the first of its kind as there have been other women chairlady before her.

"It is a welcome development. Oporoza community is trying to ensure that all women are carried along in community affairs so that they participate because it is expected that the have their roles to play which they mist perform for the growth of the community," Mr. Febaide stated.

He further advised the leadership of the women executives of Oporoza to carry the women—the aged, middle aged, and the young—along, as well as she shpuld stay focused 

"Women are meant to protect their men and the communities as well. I will advise that she carries all the women along as she performs all the activities that involve women. She should be diligence when dealing with the different grades of women. And ahe must also stay focused."

View on Facbook photos from the inauguration ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BmXvxA3YB222G8AH/?mibextid=oFDknk

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