The wife of Ondo State Governor, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu says establishment of Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female political appointees, FOWOSO, initiative is geared towards inspiring women in bridging the gender gap in society.
The wife of the governor spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the 5th Summit FOWOSO, held at the International Cultural And Event Centre (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Akure.
Chief Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said, she is fulfilled seeing women attaining the position of authority in society as various initiatives like FOWOSO, BEMORE empowered Initiative, OSSA-EP and many more are yielding positive results.
“Celebrating the fifth summit signifies that we have truly come of age. And quite evidently, FOWOSO has done well for women in Ondo State; it has elevated hitherto lower statuses, added inches to women’s economic heights and strengthened homes through various empowerment initiatives. It has liberated minds and continues to broaden mental horizons so that women can make more informed decisions.”
“Through our variously effectual interventions, we have been able to elevate the socioeconomic status of women as opposed to the dark years of tokenism and the absurd hiring of women as men hailers. Six years down the lane, women have steadily progressed; our performances are both concrete and evident in the number of women whose lives have been transformed through this great initiative.”
She added that the theme of this year’s summit was chosen to further drive home the message that women are formidable forces if given opportunity to explore.
“Besides these laudable accomplishments, we have continued to complement government’s efforts in ensuring that gender-based violence remains a punishable offense in Ondo State with the aid of Violence Against Persons Prohibition’s law (VAPP). We have also continued to improve the number of women in appointive and elective positions with more women emerging as Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons, Secretaries and Councillors in local government administration.”
“To this extent, “Living A Life of Purpose”, being the theme of the fifth FOWOSO Summit, is a purposive strategy for inspiring the womenfolk to be deliberate about growth and impact on all fronts; to always strive to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s political space; and to continue to work in alliance with other women toward liberating womanhood at all levels from age-long subjugation.”
Senator, representing the southern senatorial district of Ondo State, Jimoh Ibrahim commended the doggedness of Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu towards developing women folks in society
Guest Speaker at the event, Mrs Funke Adejumo reeled off some guidelines towards achieving purpose in life including knowing and examining self
Other Dignitaries maintained that the involvement of women in Nation building is the key to societal growth.
High points of the event including Breast cancer awareness campaign, launch of FOWOSO calender, Reviewing and launch of the History of BEMORE as well as panel sessions on various topics among others
The theme for this year’s summit, Living a life of purpose was to remind women of their importance in influencing society positively.