The late Ondo State governor’s wife, Olufunke Agagu, Bridget Itsueli, Lynda Okpeseyi and Mrs. Kemi Sarumi, have urged women, irrespective of religious, tribal or political divide, to rise against any obstacle militating the role of women in nation-building.
They also called on the leaders in authority to encourage women to play such expected leading role in the society, especially by the prominent non-governmental organisations, like the International Association of Lions Clubs District 404B-2 Nigeria, to mobilise such capable experienced women of substance to be involved in effective nation-building, rather than the much-touted ‘role in the kitchen’, unfortunately orchestrated by some religious or cultural norms, globally or nationwide.
The remarks were made in their respective submissions at the New Voices 2019 Lions International District 404B-2 Nigeria Symposium tagged “The role of women in nation-building,” organised and sponsored by the District 404B-2 and presided over by the District Governor, Lion Modupe Dada, at Our Saviour’s Church Hall, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
While berating the relegation of women to the background in nation-building, they reiterated the need to adequately highlight such women of sterling qualities to navigate the nation’s administration, rather than their confinement only to home affairs.
They said it was pertinent for men to encourage women to assist in nation-building, since women are preferred to head some very sensitive positions.
According to them, women, including Iyalode of old Oyo Empire, the Moremi of the Modakeke Wars, Hajia Gambo Sawaba in the North, Mrs Funmi Ransome-Kuti, Queen Emotan of Benin, Madam Tinubu of Lagos, Margeret Ekpo of Calabar, had been playing vital roles in shaping the nation since pre-colonial era, especially in administrative and in business spheres, and played major roles in the historical commercial and political development of Nigeria at different times.