Emmanuel lkpeama.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women Agenda, in partnership with Peculiar Women of Hope, (PWOH) on Saturday 8,March 2025,brought together women from various walks of life to empower them on self-discovery.
The event which took place at lkeja local government area with the theme”Empower Her,” was amied to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to empower themselves and, in turn, empower other women.
In her welcome address,one of the convener,Comrade Bolaji Bayode stated that the essence of the event was to learn, connect, and strategize on how to accelerate actions in various communities, businesses, and personal lives,thereby empowering the incredible women who makes difference in their various communities and the world at large.
She went further to state that empowerment goes beyond financial support,noting that it is all about building confidence, self-belief, and resilience.
“We are taking them in different areas today, we have people from CAC, chartered accountant, health experts, etc. We want to explore them on different areas on how they can be empowered. Women should believe in themselves and trust in themselves that they can make it”.
“Therefore let us honor the women who have come before us who have fought for our rights, and who have paved way for our success. Let us celebrate the women who are making a difference today,who are breaking down barriers and who are pushing boundaries.”
Speaking to newsmen,Comrade Bayode opined that the women would be taught on how to empower themselves financially and assist in their various homes.
“We are taking them in different areas today, we have people from CAC, chartered accountant, health experts, etc. We want to explore them on different areas on how they can be empowered.
Women should believe in themselves and trust in themselves that they can make it”.she stated
She urged the government to enforce laws that protect women’s rights, while calling on various organizations to prioritize women’s inclusion in leadership roles.
“Society must challenge stereotypes and cultural practices that limit women.Women must support and uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.Believe in yourselves and trust in yourselves.”she submitted.
Her partner Mrs Uchenna Ofomata who is also a co- convener said the theme was chosen because they want to accelerate action on women’s empowerment, “Women’s empowerment is a catalyst to an equitable and prosperous and sustainable world.
So, it’s very important that we do work to empower women because when you empower a woman, you empower a nation.”
She urged women to discover their purpose and fulfill them, “There is more to you than just being you. You can be more than what you think you are. Women are talented.
“No matter how you see yourself, you are enough. You are valuable. So, don’t let the world tell you less, or don’t let anyone tell you less of who you are. God made you for a purpose. Discover your purpose and fulfill your purpose. There is more to you than just being you.”she stated.
Mrs Ofomata who is the Executive Director of Peculiar Women of Hope used the medium to call on individuals, organizations and government for support and collaboration so as to reach out to many women.
“Our mission is to work with the vulnerable women, persons with disabilities, poverty and distress to improve their well-being and together create a positive change.
“To build the capacity of women in the form of entrepreneurship trainings and the provision for micro credit facilities to empower women to stand on their own, equipped with the capacity to contribute to the development in their various communities to maintain a sustainable livelihood in line of (SDG) improving coalitions among grassroots women.
“This is the gathering of women from different ethnic groups, religions, political parties, works of life, educated, semi-educated, professional, none professional, together with passion to help and give voice to the voiceless, victims and survivors of different kinds of challenges by creating an enabling environment to achieve their life aspirations.
“We are women supporting the development of women and young girls in Oshodi-Isolo and the society at large. We are using this medium to call for support from individuals, organizations and government so we can reach many women out there,’ she stated.
Investigator news reports that speakers at the event called on policymakers, leaders and communities to prioritise policies and initiatives that protect and uplift women and girls worldwide.
Dr Nancy Udochika Onuorah, Optometrist took the women on the importance of prioritizing their health especially their vision.
She advised them to always wash their hands with soap and water to keep their eyes free from infections, handle contact lens with care, do not share your makeups items. When you look at your phone for 20 minutes, look outside for 20 seconds. Get your eyes examined at least once in a year.
Also Mrs Chidinma Aduba, Executive Director Family Wellness noted that women are the power house of every home as they are seen as peacemakers and trailblazers, therefore they should empower themselves financially and identify who they truly are.
Mrs Aduba called on the need for leaders at all levels to turn commitments into action, stressing that a just and equitable world would only be possible when women and girls could claim their full rights, power, and potentials, while commending the organizers of the event for championing the action to break down barriers to health, equality, and opportunity.
” Women need to be bold, have confidence and empower themselves. They need to understand who they are because they are the power house of every home “she stated.
For Mrs Wuraola Aderopu Oloko Amusan, Assistant Director (Audit)Lagos State Treasury office urged the women to always take up the challenge, rise above bias“Women entrepreneurs are not only catalysts for economic growth but are also pivotal in transforming communities and industries.
“I want to appeal to all mothers to break barriers and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future,”she submitted.
Speaking with investigator news Engr Chinenye Gerald Onwuachu, Data analyst, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, acknowledged women’s impact in the society, according to him, women allways do well in whatever role they are assigned to, making references to Oby Ezekwsile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela.
He noted that every woman should be given the right to education because it has a way of uplifting them to their desired dreams.
“Days are gone where a woman sits at home doing nothing. Every girl child should have the right to education because it’s the room for breakthroughs and even if some of the women are not privileged to go to school, they should empower themselves, learn skills that will make them independent. Men should also encourage and support the women,” he said.
Lending his voice,the Chairmanship aspirant for Oshodi Constituency 1 in the forth coming local government election,Hon Mustapha Abiodun Nojeem applauded the women for their selfless contribution to their family and the world at large, while encouraging them to do more so as to improve the society.
” I am here to celebrate with the women because they are special people and we the men would always encourage them because of the impact they have made in the society.it’s time for society to take collective action and support these women who are already making an impact,”he said.
Hon Nojeem noted that the impact of women entrepreneurs is undeniable, but their journey is far from easy as they face financial, social and cultural challenges that hinder their progress
He calls on governments, businesses and individuals to continue supporting women entrepreneurs.
“We must break down the barriers, remove the obstacles and ensure that women have the resources, the rights and the opportunities they need to thrive.”he added.
Investigator news gathered that the event featured free medical checkup,free Lassara registration,games and dancing competition.
Highlights of the event was presentation of award to distinguished personalities who have affected the lives of the women positively.
