Janet Samuel, Abuja
The First lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with an “Award of Appreciation” for her support to women’s empowerment and addressing gender based violence issues in Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, immediate past Secretary to the State Govt, Boss Mustapha, leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, along side 27 others were awarded in various categories on Friday, during the NCWS 2024 Biennial Convention with the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.
While delivering her speech, at the convention, the First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Gov. Of Imo State, Barr. Chioma, Hope-Uzodima emphasized the benefits of women’s empowerment, calling for more strategies in accelerating their progress for the development of the country.
She said, the convention was a call to action as it underscores the vital role women play in driving progress and developments in the society
She explained that, it was also an opportunity to look inwards, discuss and strategise on ways to further advance the goals of women in the country.
She added that “when we invest in women, we invest in the future of our nation. When women are given the right opportunities, they contribute effectively to economic growth, social stability and sustainable development.
“I, therefore, call on the private sector development partners and individuals to support what government is doing and we redouble efforts in investing in women.
On her part, The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, urged women to participate in government programmes targeted at alleviating poverty and improving their economic status.
She said the newly inaugurated E-market portal would unlock market barriers and enable Nigerian women to access more funding opportunities and empowerment initiatives to raise their standard.
Former NCWS National President, Mrs Nkechi Okemini-Mba urged the government to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action to enable women to participate in both elective and appointed government positions.
Earlier in her welcome address, the National President of NCWS, Mrs Lami Adamu-Lau, said the convention is to highlight the council’s contributions toward the advancement of women’s rights in Nigeria and to emphasize the need for more investment in women.
She said, Women stand as pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, yet they continue to face barriers that hinder their progress, hence, the need to invest in women, their education, their health, their economic empowerment, and their
As part of the convention activities, the NCWS National President Hajia Adamu-Lau who in her social responsibility to the women, gave back to them by distributing empowerment kits and financial allowances to the less privileged women across the 36 states including the FCT, to support and grow their businesses
Highpoint of the convention that lasted for days was the conferment of awards to 30 notable Nigerians for their support toward women’s progress and in addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV), among others.
