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At least 12 governors’ wives, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar; and famed lawyer-cum cancer survivor, Ms Adenike Oyetunde, will lead about 1000 delegates to this year’s Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association’s National Women Summit.
A statement by the Chairperson, Planning Committee and wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bolanle Alli, on Monday, said that women rights activists, gender specialists and leadership trainers would converge on Ibadan for the summit titled, ‘Against all odds.’
She added the Convener of the summit and Wife of the state governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi, would be the chief hostess of the three-day event, beginning on Wednesday.
Alli explained that the governor’s wife established OYSOWA seven years ago to galvanize wives of elected and appointed state officials into leading the charge for the advancement of women politically and socially, as well as support for the government.
She said that the wife of the governor had also through various social safety nets, such as Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation (ABC), Ajumose Food Bank, Educate A Rural Child, empowered more than one million citizens of the state.
According to her, 751,000 people across the 351 wards in the state, as well as 6600 in orphanages, 3000 widows and 6000 aged have benefited from the Ajumose Food Bank alone, while several thousand have enjoyed free medical care.
Alli said, “Some of the issues that have been on OYSOWA front burner include poverty alleviation schemes, appointments, and domestication of laws that prescribe punishments for violence against women and child abuse, among others.
“Since the OYSOWA national summit began seven years ago, more than 10,000 women have been empowered with life-changing business ideas, knowledge and financial support.
“Generally speaking, more than one million citizens of Oyo State, including orphans and the vulnerable have benefitted from the altruistic gestures of Her Excellency in the past seven years. Many displaced women and children have been sheltered.
“In line with its’ vision and objectives, OYSOWA has also been involved in laudable projects geared towards improving the lot of the women folk, including advocacy and awareness walk on the rising incidence of domestic violence, rape and cancer.”
Alli stated that this year’s summit was poised to surpass the previous ones in terms of attendance and topical issues aimed at giving the women and the child a new lease of life.
According to her, other speakers billed for the summit include Chairman/Chief Executive Officer-designate, Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Dr Laila St. Matthews-Daniels; popular thespian, Joke Silva; Rev. Kemi Ijagbulu; seasoned international development expert, Mrs. Grace Adetula; Dr Nkem Okoro and Dr. Adeola Faleye.
