The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo says hosting the 25th National delegates and stakeholders Conference on Women Affairs is an affirmation to building a Nigeria where every woman and every child can live with dignity, purpose and hope.
Senator Monday Okpebholo stated this at the closing ceremony of the 25th delegates and stakeholders Conference of the National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development (NCWACD) of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the Festival Hall Government House Benin City, Edo State.
The National Council on Women Affairs’ conferences typically focus on promoting gender equality, empowering women, and addressing challenges faced by women, girls, Children and the vulnerable in the society.
It is geared towards Promoting Gender Equality, Empower Women, Addressing Climate Change, Networking Opportunities and Policy development.
Some specific areas that is addressed in the conferences include, ending Inequalities, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Senator Monday Okpebholo who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Denis Idahosa said the issue of women is no longer a national issue but a global one stressing that the nation remains incomplete without the courage and strength of Women.
According to him, this year’s theme “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Women, Children, the Families and other Vulnerable Groups would not have come at a better time than now as it aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim noted that for the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, gathering such as the council meeting are crucial in shaping the national development conversation saying it drives the integration gender perspectives into decision making and applying the voices that often go unheared.
Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim noted that the country is at a defining moment in the nation’s history stressing that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a trillion dollars economy cannot be achieved if women are not carried along.
She thanked developing partners for their roles in shaping the lives of Women and urged participants to ensure a replication of the lessons learned from the conference.
Appreciating the participants for coming out enmass for the event, the commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Dr. Eugenia Abdallah also commended the Edo State Government and other governors for their support to delegates.
Speaking during the occasion, the Kogi State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Acharu Okpanachi called for the need for women to address and prevent violence against women and girls and Promote women’s participation in decision-making processes and leadership roles.
There were goodwill messages from the coordinator, office of the first lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, SSA to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Women Affairs, Chairman, Edo State House Committee on Women Affairs, Development partners among others.
The 4-day conference ended with a galanite at the Festival Hall Government House Benin City Edo State.
Joseph Adama
Information Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
