Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, at the weekend, said providing equal opportunities for education, economic participation and leadership for women can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for generations to come and uplift women in our society.
Obaseki spoke in Benin City at the 12th LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA), held in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day.
She commended women for shaping and driving positive change in society, saying the theme of 2024 International Women’s Day “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, resonates deeply with the values and principles we hold dear in Edo.”
She urged women to get the required knowledge that will make them valuable, compete, and compliment the men in the country.
“We are reminded of the profound impact that women have in shaping our society and driving positive change. Today, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from various fields, including business, farming, and the professions.
“These women serve as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating the power of determination, resilience, and compassion in transforming lives and communities,” Obaseki said.
“As we reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of the honorees and nominees, let us also recommit ourselves to supporting and uplifting women in our society. By providing equal opportunities for education, economic participation, and leadership, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for generations to come.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the LAPO System, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe reiterated the need for the effective inclusion of women who are willing and able to make contribution to national development.
He acknowledged that progress has been made in enabling women to realize their potentials; but noted that much still needs to be done.
Ehigiamusoe lamented that affordable access to finance, quality productive healthcare, and political participation for women, especially rural women, is still largely a mirage adding that “we cannot afford to exclude half of the population from the task of nation building.”
Four women were honoured at the occasion, for their outstanding contributions to national development in their respective communities.
