An organisation committed to investing in communities and promoting positive social change, The Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative has commemorated the annual 2019 International Women’s day in Lagos.
This year’s event which held under the theme “Think Equal, Build Smart Innovate for change’ had a forum style approach with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Head Teachers, Counsellors and other guests in attendance.
In a goodwill address by the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, she lauded the organisation for its great strides in empowering women and children to know their rights as well as preparing them to participate in the economic sphere through education and enlightenment which will subsequently help in changing the societal landscape.
The Deputy Governor stated that the government is delighted in working with organisations that strive to create a society where there is equality and where the rights of all citizens are respected and upheld, irrespective of their physiology and social standing.
The event hosted panels on Education and Equality, Peace and Justice.
The education panel which was anchored by ace TVC News Broadcaster, Nifemi Oguntoye had a board member of Lagos Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Jacob Ashaka, a former Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite and others discussing and answering various questions posed by the audience.
The Equality, Peace and Justice Panel also had Zonal Commander, NAPTIP Lagos, Mr. Daniel Atokolo and a representative of the DCP NPF SCID, Panti Division in attendance.
The Managing Director of SYNLAB Nigeria, Dr. Pamela Jackson Ajayi gave her keynote health address which focused on health and wellness while urging the women to take care of themselves by knowing their ‘numbers’.
The high point of the event was the address by the Founder and Executive Director of Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, Dr, Ama Onyerima. She noted that the organisation has been in the forefront of championing issues related to curbing violence against women and children, empowering women and education for marginalised children.
She urged everyone to be involved in participating in the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030. This includes health, inclusive education, healthy well-being for all ages, reducing inequality and the promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions.
“We must end gender disparity and appreciate the work women do. We must also empower the girl child. We need to keep the girl child in school”, she stated.
She noted that more than 13.2 million Nigerian children are out of school, 60% (8 million) of which are girls.
“This is a major crisis. We need to change the status quo. Our girls need to grow up into women that would positively change the societal landscape”.
Mrs. Kudirat Bamitale, who represented the Commisioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, Dr. (Mrs) Lola Akande gave the humanitarian address at the event.
Other activities lined up to mark the day included ‘Voice of Returnees’ by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Agency for the prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to discourage illegal migration and trafficking in persons.
