By Jadesola Ajibola
Oyo State government has admonished women to strive to take good care of themselves, particularly their health, noting that, good health is non negotiable for anyone to make a difference.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, made the call at an event hosted by the Association of Women Orientation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s (AWON), marking the 2024 International Women’s Day, held at the Women Development Centre, Samonda, Ibadan.
The Commissioner who was represented by a top official of the Ministry, Mrs Igein Ibironke urged Nigerian women to come out great in their field of endeavors, and participate for inclusion in the state.
Also in her remarks, the Keynote speaker, Chief Grace Oluwatoye called on government at all levels to end the economic hardship in the country affecting Nigerian women.
Chief Oluwatoye, who is the founder of the women group AWON, lamented the continuous challenges facing women and failure of some state governments to implement the 35 percent affirmative action.
She kicked against what she described as tokenism, where women are given a piece of meal opportunities in top positions.
She recalled how great women have been able to drive the country in their area of career, saying such can be replicated and improved upon.
Chief Mrs Oluwatoye warned the government to end the poverty agenda which has been in existence in Nigeria for decades, that women should be supported in the grassroot which will bring about development in all sectors across the country.
The President of the group, Mrs Adekemi Akinade insisted that women’s inclusion has become very poor in all areas, from the family, community at large and the country as a whole.
She called on the government at all levels to embrace women’s inclusion in governance in all sectors of the economy.
She canvassed for the representation of the girl child in Nigeria, urging leaders to provide opportunities for women.
The Vice President, Mrs Bola Thompson lamented that women remains at the receiving end of poverty despite the plenty of resources available in Nigeria.
She urged women to support women, that in doing this, women will get to the position where we dreamt about many years ago.
