Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday, November 30, 2018 urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents, saying such was necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), with his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) and his wife, Florence Ajimobi (right) during the closing of 2018 National Women Conference organised by the Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA), at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) held at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Governor Ambode said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognize the fact that the world was changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change that would in turn cascade into every strata of the society.

According to the Governor, “The world is changing everyday and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to as the “weaker sex”.

“So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against. Every woman can be an agent of change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence.

“From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and our country, against all odds,” he said.

Governor Ambode, who described the theme of the summit – ‘Against All Odds’, as apt, said it was important for women to appreciate the fact that it is possible for one to attain any goal despite challenges.

“There will always be odds facing us; odds against our aspirations, our dreams, our objectives. But we cannot use these as excuses. The world we live in today does not take excuses. The world does not recognize efforts but results. So, against all odds, we must push forward, with a strong desire, and determination to succeed.

“I know our women face a lot of odds. Different, difficult challenges come your way every day. But my message to you today; and I am sure that is the message of this Summit, is that you can overcome all the challenges and triumph in all your endeavours,” Governor Ambode said.

 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2^nd left); his wife, Bolanle (3^rd left); Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (middle); his wife, Florence (3^rd right); wife of former APC Governorship Aspirant, Mrs. Abimbola Tegbe (2^nd right); Mrs. Tolani Ajayi (right) and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan (left) during the closing of 2018 National Women Conference organised by the Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA)

He particularly urged participants at the summit to take practical steps to apply the lessons learnt from the very enlightening, engaging and inspiring sessions, saying the success of the conference largely depended on their individual abilities to translate the values gained positively, starting from their respective homes and families, to the larger society.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2^nd left), with his wife, Bolanle (left); Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (right) and his wife, Florence (2^nd right) during the closing of 2018 National Women Conference organised by the Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA)

“At this critical period of our nationhood, your ability to adapt yourself to the current challenges will inevitably transform our society,” he added.