The wife of Ondo State governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has called for more inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political arrangement and an end to all forms of inequality.
Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu represented by Rowland Onyeukwu, her senior special assistant (media) made the call at the public presentation of a book titled “We Live These Lives” organised by The Female Professionals’ Book Club (TFP) in Ibadan.
She commended the founder of the club as well as the 21 authors of the book who were members of the club, underscoring the need for gender balance and an end to inequality, citing her experience which she fought while growing up.
Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said that her experience growing up made her swear to attain whatever height her male counterparts ascend and even surpass it and it also nurtured her passion to bring many women folk with her.
“Today, that dream of mine is alive in two of my dearest initiatives, Bemore Empowered Girls Foundation and Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials, (plus Female appointees) FOWOSO.
“No more inequality in the treatment of females in this nation, Nigeria. In the political arrangement, we must be accommodated. Against gender-based violence, we shall fight to a standstill.
“They claimed some professions are the preserve of the male child; we disagreed and pushed forward our girls, who eventually demystified their claim, as they excelled beyond belief.
“Never again shall women take the back seat in decision-making in this nation, Nigeria. It is so clear now that no height is too high for us (females) to climb. We shall continue to soar to greater heights resiliently,” she said.
Speaking on the book, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the chronicles of the authors should serve as an impetus to thousands of young girls, now and in generations to come, to dream, aspire and make them a reality irrespective of the milieu they found themselves.
“We Live These Lives” is a testimony of the triumphant exploits of her team. Till gender inequality is brought to its knees, we will remain resilient in the fight. Take a look at the achievements of women folks chronicled in this book,” she said.
(NAN)
