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11th COWLSO Confab: Rivers State Governor, Amaechi Tasks Women On Value Re-Orientation
…As Fashola salutes role of women in the transformation of Lagos

Nov 15, 2011 - Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi on Tuesday flagged off the 11th National Women Conference organized by the Council of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in company of his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), tasking women to lead the drive for value re-orientation in the society.

Governor Amaechi who spoke at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, venue of the conference with the theme, "Woman, how relevant are we?" added that mothers in terms of the role they play in the formative years of a child are in the best position to effect the change that would give re-emergence to the values that used to be held in high esteem.

Commending the multi-faceted roles of women, the Governor noted that as home makers, women make it possible for their spouses to function effectively in their various callings adding that without the peace of mind which comes from the home front it would be impossible for men to concentrate at work.

According to Governor Amaechi because of their high moral compass and being less susceptible to societal pressure, women constitute veritable assets of any nation with unwholesome practice unlikely to thrive where women dominate.

The Governor added that women are principally responsible for driving the macro economy with the dexterity they have always demonstrated in ensuring that their families survive through their sheer resourcefulness.

The Rivers State Governor described Lagos State and the South West as places that are blessed with an array of skilled women it has produced and are delivering on given assignments.

Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in his goodwill message acknowledged the relevance of women while saluting them for the invaluable contribution to the developmental programmes that have taken place in Lagos.

The Governor stressed that the conference which is in the 11th year is a testimony to the sustainability and continuity that has become the hallmark of Lagos State in institution building.

He said going by the theme of the past editions and that of the 2011 Conference, "Woman, how relevant are you?" it seems that every annual conference has become richer not only by virtue of the speakers but by the thought and deep reflection that each year's edition provokes.

The Governor explained that from the public service to the teaching service, nursing, those responsible for waste management and sanitation, it would be discovered that women have been the critical drivers of change leading from the front.

He added that even in the Judiciary, the women have been very definitive as they constitute the majority in the Magistracy just as a woman sits atop the State Judiciary as the Chief Judge.

Governor Fashola also acknowledged the rapid progress recorded in educational reforms and job creation through skill acquisition under the immediate past Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan and the incumbent, Hon Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

The Governor also said on the political scene, women have led the campaigns by mobilizing men and women which led to the success of the Action Congress of Nigeria to deal a crushing defeat to the opposition parties at the last general and Local Government elections.

"If this year's theme had been provoked about any self doubt about women which I doubt, the representation in government by women which I have just highlighted will erase that. It points to the contribution on a daily basis of women in the decision making process and resource management of our State".

"However, if the theme had been provoked by a desire for increased relevance and participation, those representation and the successes of our State and Government are the strongest indication of the increased relevance of women in the nation building process", the Governor added.

Governor Fashola had earlier congratulated Governor Amaechi for his sterling leadership of the Nigeria Governors Forum and commitment to good governance in the country through his developmental initiatives in Rivers State, saying he has risen to be counted as an ambassador of the present generation.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Council of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola said the 2011 Conference theme was informed by the need for women to engage themselves in self appraisal with regards to the roles they play and the contribution they are making in addressing the challenges of a modern society.

She said between the end of last year's conference to date, COWLSO has achieved good progress on its Retirement Villa at Lekki Phase II which it hopes to complete and commission towards the end of December or January 2012.

"We have also decided to set the following targets for ourselves in the coming year and will include construction of model toilets facilities with borehole water system in selected public schools across the three senatorial districts, sponsorship of women for breast and cervical cancer screening to promote public awareness on regular tests for early detection and treatment and empowerment of youth through sponsorship to acquire vocational skill of their choice", Dame Fashola explained.

The Inspirational Woman of the Year Award was given to the Chairman of Sokoa Chair Centre and Co-ordinator of the After Graduate Development Centre (AGDC), Mrs Ibukun Awosika who was presented with the plaque of honour by the Rivers State Governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

Prominent among those who attended the opening ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Hon Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, , former Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, , the First Lady of Osun State, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, her Ogun State counterpart, Mrs Funsho Amosun, representative of Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Rashidat Olajide, former First Lady, Mrs Abimbola Jakande, members of the State Executive Council, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, elder statesman, Chief Molade Okoya- Thomas and women delegates from different walks of life.