BY ADA DIKE
Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), has called on women from other ethnic group to be holding annual August meeting like Igbo women.
She made this call in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, at the round off of the annual gathering of women at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri.
With the theme: “Women Supporting each other, make things happen,” this year’s turn out was massive. It started with a march-past by women from the 27 local government areas of the state.
August meeting is a yearly event in which women from different parts of Igboland travel home to discuss issues and commission projects for their communities. It is an age long culltural event which mirros the role of woman in the society. It aims to educate women, celebrate notable women who have affected their society and staretgise on how their community can move forward.
The event attracted women from different parts of the state and country including five commissioners, one minister, one deputy gubernatorial candidate and over 30 advisers.
The First Lady, who went with Nasarawa State First Lady, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi A. Sule, said she liked the yearly gathering of Igbo women known as August meeting and advised women in other ethnic group to be having August meeting.
Commenting on the present administration, she said, "I am sure this administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian. This is one of the reasons we are here today. So, we are assuring you of federal government's plan in making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong. Today, as we gathered to commemorate and celebrate achievement of women at this annual women August meeting, while we celebrate the accomplishment of younger generation, which are undoubtable inspiring, let us not forget the invaluable role elderly women do share in our community and our future. The elderly women have been the backbone of our society, community, family and state. We must take cognizance of the struggle of our women which has made it possible for the progress we are enjoying today. It is our collective duty to ensure that women are heard, their needs are met and their legacies are preserved, the wisdom they possess, the stories they tell and their guidance are pillars of our society.
"The support we are advocating is what we have come to present today through the renewed hope initiative, social investment agenda by celebrating the elderly at this year’s event. We join our voices with that of Her Excellency, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma and indeed, that of His Excellency, Dr. Hope Uzodimma against every form sexual and domestic violence, fight against trafficking of persons, drug abuse and other gender-based violence in the society.
"Empowering women is not just a slogan, for us, it is a renewed hope initiative and a commitment towards the better of life for families in every state of the federation. We will support women and uplift their status and ensure empowerment extends to women of all ages, from young girls who dream of their future to the elderly who have shared her past. "These are the hallmarks of the renewed hope initiative, it is an initiative focused on women and families with its scope in Agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment and social investment. I assure you all that the initiative will soon be back to Imo State to give our modest contribution in the area of agriculture," she emphasised.
Tinubu said she discussed with Mrs. Uzodinma and she changed her mind in the car when they were driving together.
"She picked empowerment, but when I began to tell her about the scope which she also mentioned today -sharing seedlings to the farmers, she then understood what we want to do for farmers, because they are the only ones that need economic empowerment, and we know the Igbo always say, 'Ego amaka,' which means 'money is good', I believe that you are all happy with agriculture, that is what we are going to use to empower all the people in the federation."
She implored them to re-elect Uzodimma as the governor of Imo State. “Let us not give doubt in the transformative power women hold. I call on you all great women from Imo State to come out en masse and vote overwhelmingly for Uzodimma. He deserves second term in order to complete the good works he has started, and I believe he has the backing of this present administration. With his re-election, his dream and aspiration for Imo State will be actualized. By the grace of God, Imo State will be there for a greater lease of life."
The special guest of honour urged them to be united and re-elect him so that he would continue to champion gender equity and parity, so that he would continue to pursue the call for a better life of the people.
The Senator empowered women with foodstuffs and money, among others things.
In her welcome address with a slogan, "Umu Nwanyi na akwado ibe ha (Women support themselves)," Chief Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma expressed deepest appreciation to Senator Tinubu and other notable dignitaries including wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Oti.
The founder of Goodhope Flourish Foundation reassured women that her husband's administration would continue to ensure that women are well represented and supported.
She urged women to continue to be peaceful.
in the same vein, the executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Dr. Hope Uzodimma, said he didn’t have much to say because his wife had said many salient points including development of the state and women empowerment. Thanked Senator Tinubu and other guests who graced the occasion.
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