Odunayo Anjorin
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has challenged women to take up the big role and reject all forms of discrimination.
Ambode said on Friday that they should reject the ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents.
According to him, this is necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Haruna, Ambode spoke 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.
The governor said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognise 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.
He added, ““The world is changing everyday and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to 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.
Ambode described the theme of the summit – ‘Against All Odds’, as apt, saying it was important for women to appreciate the fact that it was 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 recognise 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,” 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 had been positively transformed in all communities in the State through the OYSOWA initiative.
In his remarks earlier, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, commended 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.
