BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says his Government will continue to give credible support to the women folk.
Governor Akeredolu stated this while declaring open the 4th FOWOS summit “WITH THE THEME BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP IN POLITICAL ARENA: A CASE OF NIGERIA WOMEN” Held at the International Event Center, DOME, Akure.
Governor Akeredolu represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa who said his administration believe in the emancipation for women, thereby including them in his decision making table.
The governor assured women in the state of more quality support in the area of training, empowerment and to include them in the political arena.
On the upcoming 2023 general election in the country, Governor Akeredolu charged woman to come out in large number to vote candidate of their choice.
The special guest of honour who is also the governor of Rivers state, Nyeson Wike opposed and spoke against the rejection of some bills by the national assembly which supported Women and their funder mental right said there was the need for women to speak up.
Represented by the Rivers state head of service, Mr Rufus Godwins, Governor Wike while appreciating the wife of the Ondo state government, Mrs Betty Anyawu- Akeredolu for her initiative said for them to they can bridge the gender gap there was the need for women to bridge the cultural barrier, wake up to their responsibilities and start supporting themselves.
He lauded the first lady of Ondo state for the good works and the length at which she has been able to paddle the canoe of elevation of women in the stat, .urged all women to key into the giant stride of Mrs Akeredolu so as to make the advocacy of having more women in politics in the state a reality.
Speaking the Founder, foundation for wives of Ondo state officials,FOWOSO, Mrs Betty Anyawu- Akeredolu explained that it was high time women support women vying for any political office so as to make their voice count.
Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu who explained that the Foundation For Wives Of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO),which was founded in December 2017 was used in elevating the socioeconomic status of women, noting that the group has made tremendous progress.
She said the event is another Occasion for women in the state to brainstorm and fined solution to challenges faces by women and girl child.
“This is one gathering that has, through the years, proved itself worthy through performance and not one of those merely emblematic congregations known only for commonplace mundanity”
In her keynote address, The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the State, Chief Bamidele Ademola-Olateju said for women to over come various challenges they are faced with in the area of politics there must be adequate self evaluation and change in orientation.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the occasion Princess Dora Kayode Aroloye encouraged women to always support each other at every point in time.
Mrs Aroloye pinpointed that women are the enemies of themselves in terms of politics and urged them to support the drive of Mrs Akeredolu so that more women can be in position of authority in order to reduce men’s domination.
The summit also witnessed a political panel session titled ” ARE MEN/ HUSBAND TO BE BLAMED FOR LOW WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS” Which was anchored by Radio Nigeria Staff Reporter, Olufisoye Adenitan .