Razaq Bamidele
The city of Lagos was shaken to its very foundation, last Thursday, when women from all walks of life and across various professions besieged Lagos for a conference to demand for deserved mutual respect, economic relevance and political recognition.
The women, under the umbrella of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Standup for Women Society (SWS), under the leadership of its Convener, Barr. Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, on Thursday, decided to converge in Lagos for its maiden National Conference and Summit. The occasion was rounded off at the weekend.
The conference held at the Novatek Hotel at Chevy View, Lekki in Lagos, South-west Nigeria, was themed; Women in Leadership: Balancing Societal Obligations with Marital and Parental Responsibilities.
The main objective of the Summit, according to the convener was to advocate for more respect for women by the Nigerian society, saying, the Summit was a perfect platform for the NGO to send a message to the menfolk that the roles of the women in home and nation building can never be over-emphasised.
READ ALSO: http://Banditry: Zamfara govt. asks residents to take up arms
The conference, which was richly packaged, was attended by members of the SWS from all the states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and featured programmes like talks from Prof. (Mrs.) Yemisi Adeparusi, Mrs. Aishat Yesufu, an activist and Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji.
President of SWS, Barr. Ijadele-Adetona, who was elated with the success of the conference especially the turnout of members across the country, said that the SWS would continue to encourage women’s active participation in leadership and decision-making process, while it would also promote women’s entrepreneurship as a catalyst for advancing women’s economic empowerment.
The Owo, Ondo State-born lawyer cum activist added: “Our initiatives have brought the increase in women entrepreneur’s access to finance and digital technologies. It is our belief at SWS that if we strengthen women’s capabilities to have access to resources, the prospect of leadership roles will be within the reach for many more women in our society.
“Having women in leadership position should become the norm, not an exception. However, slowly but steadily, Nigeria is changing. For the first time, women emerged as governorship candidate of a party in Adamawa State while some come out as aspirants in other states.
“It is high time for us to recognise the power of women and help them to prove to the world over that we can do it right if given the opportunity.”
The highlight of the occasion were the awards given for some outstanding performance among members of the SWS which was given out by the President as well as awards of honours for some distinguished Nigerians.
Names of the awardees are, Princess (Dr.) Mrs. R. U Osula Mku, Mrs. Sa’adatu Onyashama Yaya, Mrs. Zuwaira Gambo, Mrs. Hasafat Umar Gimba, Dr. Abiola Olumide Oshodi, Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, Right. Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu and Mrs. Cecelia Bolaji Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs.
READ ALSO: http://I made mistake picking Atiku as vice president, says Obasanjo
Others were, Hajiya Hauwa Umar, Ntufam (Dr) Oscar Ofuka, SA to Governor of Cross River State, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Malami, Chief Dele Momodu, Publisher Ovation magazine, Mrs. Angela Emuwa and Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, General Overseer, MFM, who bagged the Year 2021 SWS Grand Distinction Award as Inspiring and Mentorship Leadership Award.
The conference/summit ended on the clear note to Metro stuff for either hard copy, online version or both) Metro stuff for either hard copy, online version or both) women all over the country to always be pro-active in progressive activities in the country, warning that, leaving things to menfolk would be counter-productive to the womenfolk.
