Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s investment in women’s development and empowerment, describing it as a worthwhile investment that would guarantee a better and secure future for women.
Olori was recently inaugurated alongside other women by the federal government as a member of the High Level Advisory Committee (HLAC) on Women Economic Empowerment and Gender in Nigeria at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Dere Awosika, Ibunkun Awosika, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Grace Jerry and Prof Funmi Para Mallam among others are to serve on the committee.
In her acceptance speech, the Warri queen commended the minister of women affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, for her efforts in championing the empowerment of women just, as she expressed commitment to contribute her quota to nation building.
She stated; “It has long been proven that empowered women are essential to the development and progress of a country. Therefore, our government’s investment in the future of Nigerian girls and women is a worthwhile investment in the future of our country.
“Despite decades of inequality, Nigerian women have risen against the odds to do great things. We’ve built businesses, led communities and nurtured generations. No one can doubt the strength and resilience of Nigerian women.
“I am humbled and deeply inspired by our heritage. I am also convinced that if we could do so much despite the odds, we can do infinitely more in an enabling environment.
“As the mother of Iwere Kingdom, I have seen the impact of advocacy and empowerment initiatives on individual women. Their growth ripples through communities, spreading development and changing lives.
“As I join other visionary women on this council, I am confident that we’ll pool our experience, wisdom and resources to improve the lives of women and girls across Nigeria.
“I’d like to thank Minister Dame Pauline Tallen. Your tenacity inspires me. You’ve shone exceptional leadership in championing, policy reforms and other initiatives that promote gender equality.”
Co-chair of HLAC, Dere Awosika, thanked the president for putting a stamp for moving women forward, saying, “This is a call for equity, progress and no more poverty.”
World Bank Representative, Shubham Chaudhuri, in his remarks assured that the bank would do whatever it can to help Nigeria realise the ambition to lift 100 million people out of poverty.
Gates Foundation country director, Jeremie Zoungrana, said the foundation had worked with Nigeria for over two decades and reiterated its commitment to accelerate investments in women and girls.
The wife of the Olu of Warri has embarked on programs and activities in Warri Kingdom aimed at positively elevating the condition of women and children in the kingdom and beyond.
