Gbenga Oloniniran
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged women in the state to embrace farming.
Ibijoke on Wednesday noted that beyond advocating for more space and opportunities for women in leadership positions, “we must demonstrate what makes women unique and indispensable — particularly when it comes to the judicious use of resources and thinking outside the box.”
“In this light, I cannot overemphasise the need for women to embrace farming, including home gardening. This is not only a cost-effective measure but also a means of reducing our overdependence on purchasing food items that can be grown and consumed by our families,” she said at the closing ceremony of the 24th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.
The event was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and had the theme: “Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enriching Communities.”
At the opening ceremony of the event which was held on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state was making conscious efforts to ensure women’s participation in government, saying women had been getting 30 per cent cabinet slots since the return to democracy in 1999.
Also, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who graced the event on Tuesday, told the governor shortly after that the Federal Government’s drive in the agricultural sector aimed to carry women along with about “30 per cent and 70 per cent representation for women and men,” respectively.
The governor’s wife lauded the ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition initiative of the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“This competition, which offers a mouth-watering cash prize of N20m for the overall winner, is a brilliant way to encourage households to adopt gardening. I urge every one of you to participate and make this a culture in your homes,” she said.
She also advised women on the need to be more prudent at this trying time of the economy, saying, “As women — the backbone of our homes and society — it is essential that we embrace the reality of the present economic situation, not only in Nigeria but globally. The era of extravagant lifestyle is over. We must adjust, prioritise what truly matters, and lead by example in our homes and communities.”
“One of the key messages I have consistently shared is the importance of embracing modesty. In these times, we must be prudent in our spending and become exemplary managers of our resources.
“Frivolities must be set aside, as we focus on what truly matters. It is not about cutting corners, but about cutting waste. Every naira must be spent with purpose and accountability. As women, we hold the power to shape the financial health of our households, and it is our responsibility to manage our resources effectively,” she said.
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