Efforts to deepen grassroots political participation and strengthen women’s involvement in governance received renewed attention in Kogi State following a ward engagement tour in Igah, Olamaboro Local Government Area.

The engagement, organised by the Fawass Group, drew a large turnout of women and community stakeholders who gathered to discuss issues affecting the ward and reaffirm their commitment to political participation at the grassroots level.

Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, who attended the meeting in his home ward, described the event as an important platform for reconnecting with the grassroots and encouraging broader participation in governance.

According to him, the gathering went beyond routine political interaction, serving as an opportunity for dialogue with community members, particularly women, whose contributions he said remain central to the social and political stability of the state.

A notable feature of the engagement was the distribution of wrappers and modest financial support to several women in the ward — gestures organisers said were aimed at appreciating their continued participation in community and political activities.

Anyebe noted that while such gestures may appear symbolic, they reflect a broader effort to acknowledge the role women play in sustaining political structures at the grassroots.

“Women have always been at the heart of our communities. Their resilience, commitment and influence continue to shape local development and political participation across Kogi State,” he said.

The commissioner emphasised that encouraging women to remain active in politics aligns with the state government’s broader commitment to inclusive governance.

Observers at the event said the large turnout and active participation of women underscored growing grassroots interest in governance and development initiatives across the state.

Anyebe also linked the engagement to the policy direction of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that the government has continued to promote youth development, community empowerment and wider participation in governance.

According to him, sustained engagement with communities remains essential for strengthening trust between government institutions and the people.

Stakeholders present at the meeting expressed optimism that continued grassroots mobilisation and inclusion of women and young people in political processes would contribute to long-term development in the state.

Political watchers say such local engagements have increasingly become part of broader efforts by political actors and community groups to consolidate grassroots support while encouraging greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making processes.

The Fawass Group, organisers of the event, said the initiative was designed to strengthen unity within the party structure at the ward level while promoting sustained community engagement across Olamaboro Local Government Area.

Community leaders who spoke at the meeting commended the growing involvement of women in local political activities and called for sustained support to enable them play more visible roles in governance and development initiatives.

For many of the women present, the engagement was seen as an opportunity to reaffirm their place in the political process and to continue contributing to discussions around development priorities within their communities.

Analysts note that as Nigeria continues to push for broader gender inclusion in governance, grassroots engagements such as the one held in Igah ward could play a role in encouraging wider participation and strengthening democratic structures at the community level.