Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Wife of Ondo State Governor has reiterated her commitment to continue advocated for more women in Nigeria’s political space.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu made this known at the 5th Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) Summit held on Wednesday in Akure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit is “Living A Life of Purpose”.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu founder of the FOWOSO said that she had elevated women’s economic heights and strengthened homes through various empowerment initiatives in the state.
She said that she would continue 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 Councilors in local government administration.
“So, 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,”vshe said.
Mrs Funke Adejumo, pastor in Agape Christian Ministries and a guest lecture at the summit, said that time has come for every woman to embrace the call to live the lives of purpose with a profound understanding.
According to Adejumo, women need to equip themselves with relevant knowledge which will position them for appointive and elective positions.
“Have we explored the practical steps towards living a purposeful life and let us remember that our societal norms may attempt to define us.
“You are not disadvantage for being a woman, stop standing behind, be beside complimenting not competing,” she said
Also speaking, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District called on women to intensify more effort on their education for them to be relevant in the field of politics.
Ibrahim, who donated N20 million to the development of FOWOSO building project, said that participation in politics required knowledge and education.
“The illiterate level of women is 76 per cent, means that women are not educated as today by the world data and it shows that 18 per cent of women are educated.
“So, women need to be encourage to lead the domestic affair a bit and strengthen on education.
“I have never seen a PHD holders that has never married, so it means that education pay women more than men if they are serious and focus on it,” he said.
