Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has again reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to address the concerns and welfare of women and youths in the state.
Aiyedatiwa stated this during the convention of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) held in Akure Ondo state capital.
He said his administration would not pay lip service to the development and empowerment of women and youths.
Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said his administration has keyed into a number of initiatives as well as provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
He said his government would soon embark on a week-long empowerment for women in the state, while various empowerment package were provided for women and youths in the state during the convention.
The President, Ondo chapter of NCWS, Bishop Oluseyi Odusola, said the council had provided empowerment package for over 1000 women and youths in the state during the programme.
Bishop Odusola said the NCWS would continues to champion women’s rights and welfare as well as advocate for their participation in community development.
“We are not second to any Organisation owned by any other individual person or collective person as far as Nigeria is concerned.
“As a result of this, the narratives of the creation of NCWS cannot be changed as far as Nigeria is concerned.”
The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, in Ondo state, Felicia Amaka Anara, said empowerment of women and youths must be at the heart of the country’s strategy to combat illegal migration.
Anara said women and youths faces significant hurdles such as gender inequality as well as have limited access to capital, skills training, and meaningful representation in politics and decision making.
She called for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, especially government in formulating and implementing effective policies, building necessary infrastructure and security agencies ensuring security.
She also called on civil society organizations to help in raising awareness, advocacy and providing essential reintegration support for Nigerians in the diaspora through investments and mentorship.
She said “to our youths: Believe in Nigeria, build Nigeria. Your energy and innovation are our greatest assets. And to our women, your voice, your power. Participate fully in shaping our nation’s future.
“To our government and partners: Invest in our people, not just projects. Human capital development is the most sustainable path to progress and let us remember that illegal migration is a symptom of deeper issues, not a solution.
“Empowered women and youth are not just beneficiaries of development; they are the very agents of transformative change. Let us work together to transform despair into opportunity, creating a Nigeria where all can thrive.
“Finally, let us be guided by this thought: “If we build strong people, we will have no reason to escape a broken system-we will stay and fix it.”
