Speeches

Launching Of The Cosmopolitan Woman Club

Mar 15, 2009 - The increasing awareness of the woman as a vital link in the development chain and the campaign to empower her has continued to receive the attention and support of every well-meaning people and organisations in recent time. In an emerging economy such as ours, women are wrongly perceived as home-makers inspite of their obvious material contributions to the survival of many homes.

The idea of social clubs has become part of our culture as they have continued to serve as stabilizing factor in balancing our lives in a busy city like Lagos. Besides, they have become a rallying point and melting pots of useful ideas and initiatives that have continued to impact positively on the development of the society. I am therefore very pleased to join you today to witness the birth of another club.

I believe that the vision of the founders of the Club was based on genuine concern to empower women and youths especially the vulnerable. This idea of self-reliance and financial independence is the passions that have propelled the formation of the Cosmopolitan Woman Club. By virtue of her nurturing role and our natural attention to motherland, there is a nexus between the status of women and poverty in the society. Therefore empowering women is the equivalence of empowering the society and this must include a conscious programme of actions to empower the woman, the youths and our young graduates.

I appreciate your objectives which support government’s efforts, especially in Lagos State to participate in and initiate physical, environmental, educational and social development in the community so as to enhance and empower the women and alleviate poverty among women and youths.

It is common knowledge that all over the world, that government alone cannot solve the myriads of challenges facing a given society. Most advanced countries have succeeded because of the commitment and sacrifice to the cause of national development by stakeholders, partners, corporate organisations, NGOs and people of goodwill. The initiative of Cosmopolitan Woman Club therefore is well appreciated.

Let me use this occasion to similarly appreciate other individuals, groups and NGOs who have actively participated and supported government’s policies and programmes targeted to enhance the socio-economic lives of our people. Just two weeks ago, we were all overwhelmed by the initiative of our sister, Funmi Iyanda who through her ‘Change – a – life project’ has affected the lives of young men and women. There have been similar efforts of well-meaning individuals in various constituencies in the State, all in an effort to alleviate poverty, change lives and improve the socio-economic profile of poor people.

The Lagos State Government has also been relentless in this effort. Poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth are our overriding policy thrust; and our various programmes have been directed at achieving this. Our beautification efforts have employed thousands of people; we have Skilled Acquisition Centres in almost all the Local Government Areas in the State where our citizens are trained in specific vocational and technical skills. Parts of these initiatives also include holiday jobs for secondary school students and graduate employment scheme.

Once again, I am happy to associate with the Cosmopolitan Woman Club and I congratulate you on today’s launch, particularly the President of the club, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, the Vice-President, Mrs. Bintu Tinubu and other executive members of the club.

It is my pleasure, this day, to join other well-wishers present this morning to launch the Cosmopolitan Woman Club to the glory of God and prosperity of women, youths, and all citizens of Lagos State.

Thank you for your attention and God bless.

Eko o ni baje o!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State