LAGOS – Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of Lagos State Governor, on Wednesday urged women to show more interest in politics by voting during elections and aspiring for political offices.
Fashola gave the advice in Ikeja while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming 14th National Women Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Government Officials (COWLSO).
She said that when women participate actively in the political process, their voice would be heard better and they would contribute more to national development.
Fashola, who is also COWLSO`s Chairperson, said that women were goal-getters with proven leadership skills and it would be better to have more of them in positions of authority.
“There are so many women who are successful in their businesses but are very reluctant to participate actively in politics.
“What I tell some of them is that they need to leave their comfort zone; they need to come out and contribute their quota to national development.
“But then, when we canvass for women aspiring for one position or the other, when it comes to Election Day, you still see women queuing behind the men.
“But until we (women) are strong enough to be able to say 100 per cent that this woman, we believe in her; she can represent us, we would support her and she will deliver, I do not see how we can have more women in political offices,’’ she said.
Speaking on the activities of COWLSO in the last one year, Fashola, disclosed that the committee generated over N100 million in 2013. [eap_ad_2] She said part of the proceeds was used to sponsor 87 women with cancer to go for treatment in both local and foreign hospitals.
The governor`s wife said the committee also renovated the Oncology Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital within the period under review.
She explained that about N50 million was spent on construction of six classrooms at Abule-Egba Primary School, seven at Hope Primary School Ikoyi, and six at Muslim Primary School Ikorodu.
Fashola said that the computer block of Owode Primary School, Ibelefun, Ikorodu was renovated and computer systems supplied to the school.
On the conference with the theme “Embracing and Managing Change,’’ she said it was organised to empower women through idea sharing and impacting interactions.
She said Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) would speak at the conference.
According to her, Ms Evelyn Obutu, former Managing Director, Bank of Industry and Mr Fola Adeola, Chairman, Fate Foundation, will also speak at the conference.
She said that two dons, Prof. Ayo Atsenua and Prof. Aloy Ejiogwu would share their thoughts on some issues affecting women.
Fashola said some 1,700 women were expected to attend the conference, which would be a life-lifting experience.
The three-day conference is schedules to hold between Sept. 22 and Sept. 24 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
banker of the day - FREE banker tips from experts