…..rejects Anti-Women practices in politics
By: Temitope Oluwole
To mark this year’s International women’s day, the wife of the governor of Ondo state, Chief (Arabinrin) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, today decided to celebrate with the women in Akure South local government held at Ayo Omoregie hall, the state capital, even as over 61 pregnant women get ‘Solayo Birth Kits” from the First Lady.
While addressing journalists, the First Lady however kicked against the rejection of women in politics, stressing that it’s a setback and discouragement for women.
She advised women not to sit on the fence or in the comfort of their homes and be waiting for other women to bear the card, she urged every women to come out because once the agitation is sustained, the men will be forced to think twice.
She congratulated the good women of Ondo state for witnessing another year, adding that it is of great significance to women. “On a day like this, apart from celebrating female champions in the various aspects of life, it is also appropriate to celebrate ourselves as heroes for standing tall despite the cultural and socio economic difficulties that we face on daily basis in this part of the world.
“That we carry on with unbroken spirit despite the many challenges is a loud testimony to the fact that women are a special breed. It is true that the challenges we face are many and tough and it appears that we have developed a thick skin for our troubles in many respects, however, instead of continuing to suffer these social cultural and economic troubles in silence or giving up on the possibility of winning in the long run, we must begin the process of breaking free from these man-made challenges that are deliberately designed to stop women from reaching comparable heights”.
She noted that “This process of freeing women from these limitations must begin with us as individuals. In our own corners of the world, we must stand up for ourselves as women, speak up and support ourselves. While the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day -BreakTheBias encourages us to work towards liberating ourselves, to break the barrier of biases against women, we cannot afford to shy away from playing a role”.
“As we celebrate this very important day, I challenge our women to rise up, to raise our voices against all limiting traditions and clamour for a constitution that is fair to all, particularly the womenfolk.
“There is no better time for women to rise and raise collective voice than now. It is in this light that we have remained committed to relieving our pregnant women with material support tagged “Solayo Kit” on yearly basis during the International Women’s Day so that these vulnerable women are not left to bear the harsh economic burden of the moment alone”.
She stated that the Solayo Kit contains complete maternity delivery kit for the needy expectant mothers and it is distributed annually to women across the 18 local government areas of our dear state.
Her words “We have kept faith with this gesture since it began in 2018 and we will continue to do this as a constant reminder to our women that the Akeredolu-led administration takes seriously matters that affect women. Let us do likewise in our own little ways so that we can remain a strong, united whole. Let us help ourselves while holding hands as champions that we are”.
Also, the wife of the Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Mrs Olufunke Olaniyi in her speech said that it’s indeed a memorable day for the women in Akure South local government and the first lady celebrated the women’s day with them.
Olaniyi added that in Ondo state, it is a tradition to hold the program which seek to address the welfare of expectant mothers especially as it relates to reducing maternal mortality and promoting safe motherhood.
While commending the first lady for being passionate about the issues of women in the state, she said that the first lady’s gesture is one way she is working to reduce the number of women who die as a result of inability to afford essential birth materials required by the health centers.
“I want to congratulate all the beneficiaries of the Solayo birth kits on this year’s International Women’s Day 2022 Celebration. I also want to thank our Mentor, the wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for her numerous initiatives towards improving the lives of Ondo state Women and girls”.
Addressing the pregnant women, the Primary Health Care Coordinator, Akure south local government, Dr Adeyemi Omosehin, encouragd them to take proper care during pregnancy as it is a delicate thing, they should ensure to take balanaced diet, register for antenatal early, do various tests like sugar level, blood level, blood pressure, take necessary vaccines for the five times in pregnancy, visit the hospital regularly, take proper rest and do regular exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Blessing Eze appreciated the first lady for her kind gestures adding that the Solayo birth kits will go a long way.
Present at the event were the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Ayedatiwa, Akure South local government chairman, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, APC women leader, Akure south local government, Mrs Foluke Daramola, Aare Iyaloja of Ondo state, Chief Mrs Aisida,
