BY: Hon. Barr. Mrs. ljeoma lgboanusi.
From Monday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 23, 2023, women who could rightly be described as, the Crème de la crème, of the nation’s mothers, assembled in their large numbers in Abuja, for a SUMMIT, to brainstorm on the ways forward for an average Nigerian woman.
To deliberate on the best approach to inspire the Nigerian woman to attain a sense of fulfilment in every aspect of her life.
The THEME of the SUMMIT was, ” INSPIRED TO BE THE COMPLETE WOMAN”, and it was organized by “WOMEN OF DIVINE DESTINY INITIATIVE”, WODDI, an NGO founded by the former first lady of lmo state, Zinaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha (PH.d).
The Summit was declared open by the wife of the former Vice president, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo. And in attendance too, were wives of governors both past and present; H.E Mario T Almakura (Nasarawa State), , Hajiya Asma’u Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara State), Mrs. Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi (Ekiti State), Dr. Mrs Amina Abubakar Bello (Niger State), Representatives of Eunice Ortom (Benue State), Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (Edo State), Mrs. Binta Masari (Kastina State), Hajiya Maryam Tambuwal (Sokoto), Prof. Hafsat Ganduje (Kano), Yemisi Suswam (Benue), Dr. (Mrs.) Racheal Dickson (Bayelsa), Chief (Mrs.) Eunice Ukamaka Egwu( Ebonyi), Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi ( Founder, Love of Christ Generation Church, Cherubim and Seraphim), H.E Dame Pauline Tallen, (Minister for Women Affairs and social development), Mrs. Helen Mark (Wife of former senate president).
Representatives Deaconess Nkechi lkpeazu (Abia State), Representative of Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi (Oyo State), Representative of Mrs. Rashida Yahaya Bello (Kogi State), were all present .
Mr. Abdulie Hydara (Gambia High Commission), Hajia Lami Adamu Lau (President, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS), Ms. Mariam Garnett from Liberian Embassy, Pastor (Mrs.) Bipiminafieye Opuaya Agha, Founder of “WHEN WOMEN PRAY”, Dr. Nuheeba Dankaka, Executive Chairman Federal Character Commission, Deaconess Bola Ihesiulor, President, Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, WOWICAN, Hajia Rofiah Sanni Idowu, President, Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, Representatives from Women in Politics. Women from all walks of life, were also in attendance.
The scenario could be regarded as a full house made up of those desirous of taking the Nigerian women to the next level. The next of their accomplishments.
Mrs. Osinbajo declared the SUMMIT open. And her speech, she expressed her astonishment at witnessing such an impressive gathering of Nigerian women in recent times, united in their determination to collaborate and engage in fruitful discussions. She acknowledged the inherent challenge faced by every woman: striving for success in all the various aspects of their lives.
Mrs. Osinbajo further stated that, “women should endeavor to leave their footprints in the sand of time”
In her own words, “l have never seen a football match without a goal post. Even when children play, they must have goal posts. Women should therefore have goal post and aspire to make it to the goal post to achieve their goals. They must choose to succeed. To win, either as wives, mothers, grandmothers, professionals, politicians and business women”.
According to her, “a complete woman should not involve in child trafficking and in anything criminal”.
She commended Zinaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha (PH.d) for coming up with the great idea of bringing together, such caliber of Women for a mega summit of that nature. She noted that, Nigerian women would be expected to be more inspired at the end of the SUMMIT for results.
ln her address, the convener of the Summit, Zinaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha (PH.d), noted that, the theme, “INSPIRED TO BE THE COMPLETE WOMAN”, was chosen to really identify the challenges facing women especially when, who is who, of our nation’s mothers was present.
Mrs Okorocha said, ” l have no doubt that there will be light at the dark end of the tunnel. l am asking every woman sitting here today, what do you want to be remembered for? What are the legacies you want to leave behind? Remember, we are women, we are an undeniable force. We are unbroken,
“We are built to be nurturers and bridges of change. lt is time for us to rise up and embrace the challenges of nation building as we walk in the spirit which prides itself beyond human construct”, she remarked.
According to the lmo former first lady, “the SUMMIT is organized for the love of our Country. lt is for the admiration of patriotic devotion to build a better Society for our generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn. l am confident that, this our generation of women will get it right “.
The Summit which took place at Palms Hotel, Central Area, Abuja, featured Plenary sessions, Roundtable discussions, Experience sharing, with both the SUMMIT speakers and the participants brainstorming on diverse issues of interest.
lt was quite an exciting moment such that the women agreed that, summit of such nature and magnitude should be done annually.
Most of the speakers also commended Zinaria Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha for the wonderful initiative.
The Summit was concluded with Awards presented to some of the participants, especially the Special Guests, Nneoma Okorocha telling the women that, “the Awards represent more than just recognition for individual achievements, but are symbols of the collective efforts and hard work that would spur them into making positive impact on the World”.
HON. BARR. IJEOMA IGBOANUSI, IS AN ABUJA BASED LAWYER AND WAS AT THE SUMMIT.
