International Women’s Day: Tinubu’s Daughter Encourages Women to Contribute to National Developmen
The daughter of the president and the Iyaloja-General, Chief Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has re-emphasized the calls for more participation of women in the quest to develop the nation.
Tinubu-Ojo who was speaking as special guest at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration in Akure the Ondo State capital maintained that a peaceful and healthy family contributes to harmonious bonds and support in the society.
“Women should not relent in contributing their quota to the development of the nation. We must be involved in the stages of building our immediate environment and the nation at large”, the Iyaloja-General said.
The theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” #Inspire Inclusion.
In his keynote address, the Governor who was ably represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the theme Invest in women: Accelerate Progress serves as a clarion call to action on the critical need to invest in women towards achieving positive change.
The Governor in corroboration with the theme hinged on the popular belief that when a person trains a woman, the person trains the whole nation. The belief according to him, buttresses the fact that investment in a woman is never a waste as it always yields multiplier effects on the society.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, congratulated Ondo State women on the success of the year’s event and stressed that his administration shall continue with deliberate investing in women in all spheres of life, ensuring equal access to all available opportunities, support for women-owned businesses, women’s health, women’s safety and breaking barriers that impede women’s progress.
“Kindly be assured of our commitment to creating an all-inclusive and equitable society where all women irrespective of their backgrounds have unbridled opportunity to flourish” he said.
The Special Adviser on Gender Matters, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana urged opinion leaders and government at all levels to seek ways to empower women around them, stating that women have a better tendency to thrive if empowered accordingly.
The Special Adviser said “The era whereby women were being faced with series of militating factors centered around Gender-based violence, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and disenfranchisement was phasing out”.
Chief Falana further emphasized that “Beyond the home front, women are found in every sphere of life, characterized as moulders, counsellors, managers, networkers, communicators, enthusiasts and in politics, they are great mobilizers and campaigners”.
Falana stressed that though women live within a patriarchal system, it was important to systematically invest in women so they could be free and add value to the society just as the hashtag “Inspire Inclusion” implies and women could begin to look beyond financial inducement at the detriment of women who are credible, vibrant and passionate to take up leadership roles.
“It is a call for women to be at the forefront and become extraordinary, only then can we be recognized and recommended for various positions of leadership; We want to see women rise to enviable positions; Let our young girls no longer be pushed aside into early marriage, forced labor or sexual slavery; These young girls of today are our future change ambassadors that would add value to the society” she said.
She illustratively pointed out the need for women to improve their interpersonal relationships with one another “A house divided would never stand; With one voice, let us support, love and encourage ourselves for more progress which would gravitate to making the society a better place”.
The Special Adviser urged Ondo State women to give unflinching support to the current administration under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who she said was determined to make life easier for women through favorable policies and programs in the area of empowerments, micro credit, grants, employment creation and security for better quality of life.
Speaking on the significance of women in current economic hardship, Guest Lecturer, Professor Mrs. Helen Ogunsuyi said it was necessary in these times that women brace up and seek alternative sources of livelihood to support and keep the home front.
Highlights of the ceremony were dance parade by women groups from the 18 Local Government Area of the State, health talk on the upcoming Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for young girls, free testing for breast cancer, blood sugar, dental exam, HIV/Aids amongst others.
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