Ayodele Olalere
Nasarawa State Governor, Mr Abdullahi Sule on Wednesday hailed Nigerian women for serving as catalysts for positive change both in politics and society.
The governor was the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of a two day 24th National Women Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State, COWLSO with the theme: ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…Enrich Communities’ held in Lagos.
He was represented by his Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Aisha Rufai.
Governor Sule said over the years, women have contributed to the development of Nigeria by playing critical roles in the polity.
“Women have over the years proved to be catalysts of progressive change not only within the conventional corridors of powers and governance, but across all other human endeavours,” he said.
He expressed displeasure that negative cultural and religious beliefs as well as discrimination against the female gender have hindered the progress of women politically and socially which has led to little or no opportunities for women
to develop and showcase their ability which is necessary for the economic growth of the society.
Governor Sule therefore charged women not to give in to discrimination, religious and cultural bias against them.
He commended organisers of the conference for their collective commitment to galvanise women to contribute their quotas to the development of Lagos State.
The host Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the conference came at the right time as it has served as an impetus for women to take their rightful positions in the society by being creative and more productive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said over the years, COWLSO have been using the conference to train and retrain women as well as. serve as a platform for women to be heard.
He commended COWLSO members for several projects it has carried out in the state such as transforming schools, renovation of primary health institutions, building of old people’s homes, training of members among others.
In her closing remarks, the Wife of the Lagos State Governor and Chairman COWLSO, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged women to come into the political space and be in decision making positions to further strengthen their status in the society.
She also urged them to desist from showing off their affluence but should give back to their respective communities which is the driving force behind the formation of COWLSO.
