By CrossRiverWatch Admin
AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, DR. LINDA AYADE AT THE 2016 NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE OF WIVES OF LAGOS STATE OFFICIALS HELD AT THE EKO HOTEL AND SUITES LAGOS STATE.
PROTOCOL
It is a pleasure to be here to speak to all of you, great women that shape our society. I thank the wife of the Lagos State Governor; Her Exellency Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, who invited me to speak at this noble event. She is a wonderful woman with a strong family that is building a stronger Lagos state.
The call for women to participate in issues concerning the nucleus of the society which is the family, to a larger scale in the world is as old as mankind itself and as time passes, the voice for this call grows louder. Today, our society holds women in high esteem as we are treated with much more equity than was the case, decades ago.
Who is a woman? What role does she play in the family? What is her status in the society and what perceptions do her fellow beings have about her? These are timeless questions that have continuously generated different answers over the years due to the changes in religion, culture, education, science, technology and many other things that have contributed to shape the opinion of mankind towards women and life in general.
From birthing and nurturing, to the kitchen, the other room and the public, the woman’s role is one that was carefully designed by God and from time immemorial, has been one akin to that of movie producers and directors who are not seen on the screen, but dictate what the actors do.
This power to control and to influence decisions can be found in the story of Helen of Troy and Queen Esther in the Bible. But, the question is, how well have we been able to use these powers so rightly bestowed on us by God?
As mothers, women have the power to nurture good and well behaved children who can contribute positively, to further the course of mankind. The issues of terrorism, gangsterism, thievery among others currently causing security challenges in the country today can be attributed to the failure of the nucleus of society which is the family at playing its roles.
On health, mothers, who are women, have the best opportunity to tutor children on health issues and train them in a way and manner that they live healthy lifestyles hence, the need for government, developing partners and health systems to focus on tutoring mothers on basic lifesaving skills as they are the children first teachers.
This way, a healthier generation and indeed, a healthier world can be achieved. Beyond this, maternal mortality must be fought by every woman in this hall today and every woman in Nigeria because death of women deprives families of motherly care and direction; leaving behind a generation that does not know love and have no moral or Godly direction.
As highly placed women in society we must work tirelessly to improve social welfare of other women and children in our states and the nation at large.
Achieving this feat is no doubt, a herculean task. But, with wonderful organizations such as the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials bringing up laudable programs such as this, a symposium of sort that brings women to brainstorm on issues concerning them, their families, communities, the nation and the world at large, a lot can be achieved.
Also, the theme for this year’s conference, “Strong family, Strong Nation” is not only apt, but fits perfectly into the numerous challenges facing the country as a strong nation can only be achieved if there are strong communities which are made possible with strong families nurtured by strong women.
I thank the members of the organizing committee for putting together the necessary logistics to organize this great event which should be replicated at all levels of government.
I thank my fellow women who are here today. Let nothing pull you down; because you are strong, you have the power in you to make the world a better place!
As we look forward to a world where the woman’s role is respected and well applauded, I say the time to act is now.
Long Live Women, Thank you all and God bless.