Governor Oluwarótìmí Akeredolu of Ondo State has challenged Nigerian women to take a more active role in politics.
Governor Akeredolu who gave the charge in Lagos during the opening of the 21st National Women Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, emphasized that women can lead better.
“Women, embrace politics beyond the jamboree, your role cannot be singing at political gatherings, if this Country must progress, we must move with our women or women must lead us to progress” Gov. Akeredolu said.
Advising women to resist attempts by men for perpetual domination, Governor Akeredolu also wants them to examine ways they can intervene and change the current narrative about insecurity in the country.
He advocated a shift in the education of the girl child and told women to be a light to others
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who pledged his administration’s commitment to ensuring that women take their rightful place in the society described the theme of the conference as apt and expressed optimism that it would impact positively on women in the State.
“For us as government, we have actually awakened; we have said to ourselves that we need women to take their rightful position and it is not just by mouth that they said our government is “HeForShe”, because you can see our cabinet members; they are the reasons for all of the great things that we are doing. We believe that when we have women leading the conversations, we will achieve a lot more. So, you can take it to the bank that our administration will ensure that women take the rightful leadership positions and that you are an integral part of our greater Lagos agenda,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to urged all those who have not been vaccinated against covid to do so.
In a message, the Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Women Affairs, Dr. Rukayyatu Gurin noted that the annual conference demonstrates the commitment of Lagos women to leadership and in supporting their spouses and called for more support for women.
While welcoming participants, COWLSO’s Chairperson, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the conference is not just for women in Lagos, but also for those from across the world to come together, share experiences and insights on modern day issues affecting moment, men, youths, the home front and the society in general.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu who noted that a convergence such as the COWLSO platform is desired against the recent spare of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence said the conference would not just be a talk shop.
“At the end of the conference we shall issue a Communique that will appropriately articulate the deliberations at this conference, and proffer insightful recommendations that will result to actionable initiatives. It is hoped that this will translate to significant improvement in the way participants address the highlighted topics, going forward.
Dear Women, it’s time to assert ourselves and contribute positively to our society! Don’t be laid – back. No matter where you find yourselves, always remember that you have something to bring to the table.” She said
Participants in the conference includes delegates from Ogun State, led by the wife of the Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Ekiti, led by Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Kwara, led by Ambassador Folake Abdul-Rasaq, Osun led by Mrs Kafayat Oyetola as well as Ondo and Kebbi States.
Award of the inspirational youth of the year was given to a professional footballer, Asisat Oshoala, while some notable women, including the Iyalode of Lagos also got awards as insprational women of the year.
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