The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been decorated Grand Patron of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) at an impressive ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
At the event, Mrs Tinubu noted that the NCWS has always been a beacon for advocacy, addressing systemic issues that affect women in Nigeria even as the nation strive to create a more equitable and empowered society, where women are not just beneficiaries but integral contributors to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
She said: “The NCWS is not new to me as I happen to have been a state patron from 1999-2007 when my husband was the Governor of Lagos State. I identify with you in fostering unity, promoting equality and amplifying the voices of women across every sector of our society including creating a more inclusive and equitable nation which echoes the ideals that we all aspire to achieve”.
The First Lady affirmed her unwavering support as the Grand Patron of the council. “As the Grand-Patron I am aware of the challenges being faced by women in our society, women continue to face discrimination, violence and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and work towards creating a society where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential”.
Tinubu appreciated the leadership of the NCWS for their dedication to the welfare and progress of the nation through the targeted programmes of the women’s societies. She also commended their efforts in championing causes that uplift women and promote education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social welfare initiatives which resonates with the core values of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
She pledged to do more through the RHI to create an enabling environment for women to thrive. “I will advocate for initiatives that support women’s Health, and economic empowerment, and work towards eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women”, she said.
NCWS President, Hajia Lami Adamu Lau extolled the virtues of the First Lady, commending her initiative and pledging the support of the council and its established machinery in achieving the objectives of RHI.
In attendance were wives of state governors; wives of National Assembly members; ministers’ wives; President of President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa; and wives of other service chiefs; and members of the NCWS, among others.
