First Lady of Lagos, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on women to unite to address the socio-political challenges confronting them.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said this during an induction and award ceremony organised by the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria, Lagos State chapter on Thursday, where new executive members were appointed.
According to Tribune, the council during the event appointed Alhaja Memunat Ajao as its President.
The grand event also witnessed the conferment of awards of excellence to deserving individuals.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos First Lady said the task of women’s societies goes beyond taking trips across the country. According to her, it is a task that requires hard work, commitment and dedication to address the socio-political challenges confronting the women.
She said, “Women must lift each other. We must unite. We are the voice for the voiceless. There are so many people that need our assistance. Women must be lifted up.
“One power that we have is our mouth and tongue and we will use it constructively to develop our country and state. We will remain beautiful women that have brains.”
Of particular importance, according to her, was the high prevalence of drug abuse which she said is to be fought by women and the sexual and gender-based violence which she said is very rampant.
She however commended the NCWS for being at the forefront of promoting issues affecting the women, while also advising the newly appointed executives not to rest in their oars by focusing on economic and social empowerment of women.
During her address, the newly appointed NCWS president in Lagos, Alhaja Ajao, promised to serve diligently and peacefully with other members of the executives to lift women in Lagos State.
She said, “Women should trust themselves. Government should trust women for without women there is no Nigeria. Women are the ones who bring up children; women are the ones training these children. Therefore they need the assistance of the government to help them in bringing up good children for the nation.”
Some of the awardees included the First Lady of Lagos state, Mrs Sanwo-Olu, Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, mother of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajamila; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Dame Abimbola Fashola, Wife of Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; former Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan, among others.
