By Maria Famakinwa

|

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has affirmed that the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) has justified its purpose of establishment by elevating women from hitherto lower status to improve women’s economic heights, strengthening homes through various empowerment initiatives, liberating minds and continues to broaden mental horizons.

She stated this at the opening ceremony of the 5th FOWOSO summit with the theme, “Living A Life of Purpose”, held at the Dome in Akure, Ondo State capital.

Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu who expressed joy to see women gather to celebrate themselves said that she feels very proud of the mileage already covered by the invaluable foundation and the resultant heights attained by women of the State.

According to her, “celebrating the fifth summit signifies that we have truly come of age.”

The First Lady who added that FOWOSO through variously effectual interventions, has been able to elevate the socioeconomic status of women as opposed to the dark years of tokenism and the absurd hiring of women as men hailers said: “Six years down the lane, women have steadily progressed; our performances are both concrete and evident in the number of women whose lives have been transformed through this great initiative.”

Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu who called for support to complete the FOWOSO project noted that the association has continued to play strategic roles in elevating the status of women and creating more opportunities.

“Members participated in the 2023 Bemore Summer Boot Camp and made impactful contributions. They attended the 2023 Summit of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) where one of our own, Mrs Toyin Adu, won the star prize of a 3-bedroom flat at Lekki, Lagos state. They also partnered with the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) during the pink October as breast and cervical cancer advocates”, she stressed.

Earlier in her keynote speech on Living a Life of Purpose, Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo appreciated Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu for transforming the lives of women and investing in girl-child across the State.

She explained that living a life of purpose transcends mere existence but the very heartbeat of our being and a reason that fuels our journey through life.

While using herself as an example, Funke Felix-Adejumo, disclosed that she grew up in a community where the birth of a girl-child was often considered as a futile endeavor.

A Guest Speaker, Mrs Grace Ajayi from the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure who spoke on the topic, “Enhancing Food Security Through Homestead Farming”, explained that food security can be said to exist when all people, at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient and nutritious food which meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who lauded the FOWOSO initiative, described it as an incredible innovation introduced to shape the social life of Ondo State.