Longe, Lawson, Laud Women Virtues At International Women's Day

Participants at the International Women's Day celebration in Abeokuta on Tuesday

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

ABEOKUTA - Nigerian Women have been described as pillars of support in nation building and the power behind the wheel of development of any society.

These were the submissions of eminent personalities at the 2020 International Women Day celebration in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with the theme "Each for Equal".

The event was organised by National Chambers, Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Business Women Group (NAWOG), Ogun State chapter. 

Some of the dignatries are the State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, Iyalode of Yorubaland, Mrs. Alaba Lawson, state Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Remi Adebiyi and state NAWORG Coordinator, Mrs. Cynthia Saka.

Speaking at the occasion, Longe said the role of women in present economic environment has never been as critical as it is today, insisting that the role of women in business would define the nation's economic future.

According to her, women must strive to meet the expectations and yearnings set before them.

Her words: "In view of this, we (women) need to stand up to the challenges before us to meet the expectation of the world and the yearnings of our people".

She charged NAWORG to do everything humanly possible to see that women folks get their rightful place in scheme of things in the society.

This, she said "is achievable by exposing women and unemployed ladies to acquire skills needed to become future entrepreneurs and be able to compete favourably in different walks of life".

The Commissioner said the present administration in the State led by Prince Dapo Abiodun recognised the contribution of women in growth and development of the state hence his continue resolve to carry them along.

To Lawson, women are the power and pillars behind the wheel of national development, urging the women to believe in themselves.

She urged the women not to relegate themselves in the scheme of things but a good partner in progress. 

Her words: "The psyche power in us is greater, we don't look back, we know how our families are fairing. The power in us is to manage and we are managing well".

"We are not competing with anyone and we are equal. We can work together as a team, let's work together with our men for the overall interest of all", she concluded.

In her welcome address, the Coordinator of NAWORG, Saka, charged the women to believe in themselves, saying women can do what men are doing better. 

She explained that despite the multi tasking nature of women, they must balance their activities at all levels, urging them not to look down on themselves.

As part of activities marking the day, NAWORG also visited the Lepers' Colony, Iberekodo, Abeokuta with gifts and food items to celebrate with the lepers.