Kemi Olatunde

A special feeling comes with being a woman and that is why when it comes to celebrating women, everyone joins the celebration train. Every March 8 has been dedicated to women and  International Women’s Day and this year’s celebration was celebrated to its fullness.

Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) rolled out drums to ensure that it not only celebrate the women within its reach but also created the awareness the day deserved.

As early as possible on Friday, staff of the agency including the men, started the celebration with a road walk across major roads in Akure, the state capital.

Addressing staff shortly after the walk, Permanent Secretary, OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu congratulated women on the occasion, noting that without women, there won’t be any nation.

According to him, one of the key strategies for child survival is women’s education and empowerment, stating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has set aside the day for the celebration of women due to their role in nation-building.

Speaking on the theme; “invest in women: accelerate progress,” he stated that if a nation invest in women, there would be accelerated progress in such a country.

He noted that the day is important to provide a platform to sensitize the public on the need to support women and the girl- child.

While stressing the importance of women, he said; “we are here because we were given birth to by a woman. You will observe that all children have great love for their mother who sacrifices all to ensure the survival of her children.”

He implored men to respect  their wives in order to have a stable and happy home which according to him would translate to an improved nation.

In a presentation on cervical cancer during the celebration Director, of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye explained that it develops in the cervix of the woman.

According to him, in 2018, about 570,000 women were diagnosed with the cancer, making it the second leading cause of  death in women, saying “3011 women died from the cancer.”

While noting that cervical cancer is caused by Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV), he revealed that about 13 HPV are known to cause it, adding that most people who became infected with HPV were unaware.

He called on all to embrace the primary prevention of the disease which is the HPV vaccination which according to him is highly effective. Adefesoye hinted that it was introduced in Nigeria in October 2023 with about 17 states having participated in the vaccination .

Stating that Ondo State will commence hers by May 2024, he described young girls between the ages of 9 and 14 as the target.

While noting that cervical cancer screening is an important part of routine health care for people with cervix to look out for pre-cancerous cervical cells, he enjoined young girls and women to participate in the screening which according to him is free.

Speaking with The Hope, Sexual, and Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Agunbiade Opeyemi said; “it is our joy that no woman should die while giving birth  and where there is no woman, there is no nation.

She encouraged all women of reproductive age to always go for routine medical check-ups to ascertain the state of their health and to make informed choices.

The  agency later proceeded to the event organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the celebration of women across the state.

In his keynote address, the State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, said the theme serves as a clarion call to action on the critical need to invest in women towards achieving positive change.

While congratulating women across the state on the success of the year’s event, said that his administration will continue to invest in women in all spheres of life, ensure equal access to all available opportunities, support women-owned businesses, women’s health, women’s safety, and breaking barriers that impede women’s progress.

“Kindly be assured of our commitment to creating an all-inclusive and equitable society where all women irrespective of their backgrounds have unbridled opportunity to flourish,” he said.

Iyaloja-General, Chief Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo who was a special guest at the event called for more participation of women in the quest to develop the nation.

She said, “women should not relent in contributing their quota to the development of the nation. We must be involved in the stages of building our immediate environment and the nation at large,” she added.

The Special Adviser on Gender Matters to the Ondo State Governor, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana urged opinion leaders and government at all levels to seek ways to empower women stating that women have a better tendency to thrive if empowered accordingly.

The Special Adviser said; “The era whereby women were  faced with series of militating factors centered around Gender-based violence, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and disenfranchisement is phasing out.

 “Beyond the home front, women are found in every sphere of life, characterized as molders, counselors, managers, networkers, communicators, enthusiasts, and in politics, they are great mobilizers and campaigners”.

“It is a call for women to be at the forefront and become extraordinary, only then can we be recognized and recommended for various positions of leadership; We want to see women rise to enviable positions; Let our young girls no longer be pushed aside into early marriage, forced labour or sexual slavery; These young girls of today are our future change ambassadors that would add value to the society,  she said.

She pointed out the need for women to improve their interpersonal relationships with one another.

Speaking on the significance of women in current economic hardship, guest lecturer, Professor Helen Ogunsuyi described women as the nation’s wonders, stating that unique qualities are embedded in them.

While noting that women have 3.1 billion population globally, she stated that women have all it takes to move the world forward calling for women’s empowerment.

Highlights of the ceremony were  dance parade by women groups from the 18 Local Government areas of the State,  health talk on  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for young girls, free testing for breast cancer, blood sugar, dental exam, HIV/Aids amongst others.