Again, the pretty wife of the executive governor of Oyo State Chief (Mrs.) Dr. Florence Ajimobi has successfully hosted this year edition of the annual National Women’s Summit, under the aegis of the Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA).
The 3-day event, which kicked off amidst pump and pageantry on Wednesday 28th November, 2018, at the prestigious International Conference Centre, U.I, like the previous editions, paraded world acclaimed women leaders; state functionaries; the immediate past governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; wives of governors as well as top dignitaries in the society.
This year’s edition of the summit, themed ‘Against All Odds’, was the 7th edition. For seven consecutive years, the summit aimed at channelling a new course for womenfolk has impacted greatly not only women in Oyo State but Nigeria and across Africa, vis a vis nation building and society development. This of course is part of Mrs. Ajimobi’s many efforts in complementing her husband, His Excellency Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on 3-point Agenda of his administration, which is Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning of Oyo State.
No wonder the First Lady in her welcome address, called on women to realise that, “this indeed is an era of women enmacipation and liberation.”
“Now is the time to arise and take decisive actions for change against all odds. No longer must we be figure-head, we must make our voices heard and our impact felt strongly against all odds.
“The challenge we face cannot demoralise us because we are resilient; they are only tests of our superior ability and strength, and we will overcome them and achieve our dreams and aspirations.”
GovernorAbiola Ajimobi, who was among the top celebrities honoured at the event, in hisown remarks, advised women to strike a healthy balance between pursuingcareer-success and raising well-adjusted and emotionally-balanced childrentowards maintaining a happy family.
“It is imperative for our womenfolk to remain committed to the course of building the family and the nation at large, particularly in the face of challenging times.
“The future of a society starts and ends with the family. Women, historically, traditionally and religiously, play the most crucial roles in this regard. We must always remember that our greatest contribution to society may ultimately not be something we did, but someone we raised.
“Our government will continue to support the empowerment of women in our state and the country, because we believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a generation.
“I am confident that this year’s summit, like the previous ones, will succeed in its mandate of effecting favourable changes in the socio-economic, emotional and physical status of parents, families and communities through the empowerment of women in the State and all over the country,” Ajimobi submitted.
Speakers at this year’s edition of the summit include the Distinguished Guest of honour, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Muktar, who called on women to rise up and take their rightful positions in the country. She even predicted a female president for Nigeria in the future. That woman must be hardwork, persevere, be patient and have fear of God in whatever they do for them to get to the top.
Other speakers at the event include Dr. Kadiri; Dr. Adeola Faleye; Dr. Laila St. Mathew A-C anil; Miss Adenike Oyetunde and co.
As usual, the summit was wrapped up with Gala and Award Night, where distinguished personalities were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the growth of the society one way or the other.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents, saying such was necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) held at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Governor Ambode said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognize the fact that the world was changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change that would in turn cascade into every strata of the society.
Accordingto the Governor, “The world is changing everyday and women are now in theforefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referredto as the “weaker sex”.
“So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against. Every woman can be an agent of change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence.
“From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and our country, against all odds,” he said.
Governor Ambode, who described the theme of the summit – ‘Against All Odds’, as apt, said it was important for women to appreciate the fact that it is possible for one to attain any goal despite challenges.
“There will always be odds facing us; odds against our aspirations, our dreams, our objectives. But we cannot use these as excuses. The world we live in today does not take excuses. The world does not recognize efforts but results. So, against all odds, we must push forward, with a strong desire, and determination to succeed.
“I know our women face a lot of odds. Different, difficult challenges come your way every day. But my message to you today; and I am sure that is the message of this Summit, is that you can overcome all the challenges and triumph in all your endeavours,” Governor Ambode said.
He particularly urged participants at the summit to take practical steps to apply the lessons learnt from the very enlightening, engaging and inspiring sessions, saying the success of the conference largely depended on their individual abilities to translate the values gained positively, starting from their respective homes and families, to the larger society.
“At this critical period of our nationhood, your ability to adapt yourself to the current challenges will inevitably transform our society,” he added.
Besides, Governor Ambode commended the convener of the summit and wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, saying it was on record that many lives have been positively transformed in all communities in the State through the OYSOWA initiative.
In his remarks earlier, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi commended Governor Ambode for bringing pivotal professional into governance, saying being a professional all his life, the Governor of Lagos had exemplified such in his dealings.
He also commended women in the State for standing by their husbands against all odds.
SIGNED
HABIB ARUNA,
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Dare Adeniran
08057639079
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