OSAMAYE APPLAUDS AIYEDATIWA AS WOMEN’S RETREAT ENDS WITH FITNESS, COCKTAIL DINNER
The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Osamaye, has urged women leaders in the state to use their positions, influence and privileges to empower and support other women rather than expose, ridicule or gossip about them.
Dr Osamaye gave the charge during a cocktail dinner held as part of a one-day capacity-building workshop and retreat organised for female leaders in Ondo State at Nibanola Resorts and Golf, Ondo City.
The retreat brought together female political office holders, appointed officials, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and parastatals, and leaders of non-governmental organisations and political support groups.
The cocktail dinner which witnessed dancing competition and rewards for best performance in different categories attracted cash gifts and loud ovation to the Commissioner and the women leaders praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife for prioritising the welfare of women in the state.
Addressing the women after a lot of merriment, Dr Osamaye said women in positions of authority should see leadership as an opportunity to create pathways for others, stressing that no woman should deliberately pull down another because of her weaknesses or challenges.
“The power that God has given us should be used to support our fellow women and sisters. We should cover up for one another when necessary. If you know someone with a weakness or going through a difficult situation, support her. Do not expose her, gossip about her or mock her,” she said.
The commissioner noted that every individual had personal challenges, adding that women could overcome many of their difficulties when they remained determined and supported one another.
She said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development had introduced several programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of women, while opportunities were also available through cooperative societies and other intervention channels.
Dr Osamaye encouraged women to cultivate a strong savings culture, noting that regular savings, regardless of the amount, could provide financial security during difficult periods.
She also charged beneficiaries of government grants and empowerment programmes to make judicious use of the opportunities provided by government, stressing that such interventions were intended to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
The commissioner, however, challenged women leaders to look beyond receiving government support and critically assess what they were doing with the opportunities already available to them.
“The question we must ask ourselves is: what are we doing with the opportunities we have been given?” she asked.
Dr Osamaye further urged women not to abandon their businesses, careers or dreams because of negative comments or discouragement from others.
She advised women operating small businesses to remain committed and continuously seek ways of improving their ventures, regardless of their present income or level of success.
On leadership, the commissioner emphasised humility and service, saying women in positions of authority must not allow titles or political appointments to alter their character.
“Leadership is about service. If you cannot serve, you cannot lead effectively. Many people who have become great leaders started by serving others,” she said.
She encouraged them to adopt the principle of “lifting others as we rise” by deliberately creating opportunities for other women to grow, acquire skills and attain leadership positions.
The commissioner also called on women to pursue further education and acquire relevant skills, particularly digital skills, in view of the growing influence of technology on modern society.
She urged participants to use the retreat as an opportunity for honest self-assessment, identify areas requiring improvement and develop strategies for personal and professional growth.
Before the Departure, the commissioner led the women in a physical fitness session to exercise their bodies, which she said is healthy for the mind and body.
Those women who spoke on the impact of the retreat appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the program for women leaders to reflect and come together in such a serene environment.
Dignitaries included female permanent Secretaries, Heads of Government Agencies, Women Political Leaders, State APC woman leader ,Princess Iji Aiyeola, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kolawole Kayode and all the Directors of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
