Need to give more opportunities to women forms highlights of 2026 Int’l Women’s Day celebration in Ogbomoso

Use Need to give more opportunities to women forms highlights of 2026 Int’l Women’s Day celebration in Ogbomoso

Inaolaji OLAYODE

Aye Obinrin (Women’s World), a women advocate platform, in collaboration with the Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA) Sunday joined the globe in the celebration of 2026 International Women’s Day.

The programme themed, “Give to gain,” and held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, Isale-General, was attended by eminent personalities, scholars, educators and so on within and outside the city of Ogbomoso. It also featured presentation of award to deserving women.

In his welcome address, Barrister Ademubowale Adelabu represented by Mercy Tolulope Abudu, the Vice Chairperson of FIDA (Nigeria), Oyo state branch, affirmed the programme was held “to recognize the achievements of women and to reflect on how we can continue to support and uplift one another.”

Ms Mercy Abudu noted that growth could be actualized in the communities through collective effort and rendering of assistance to one another. She said, “Real progress happens when we work together. By supporting one another, sharing opportunities, and standing for equality, we can create stronger communities where every woman and girl has the chance to succeed.”

In her speech, Mrs. Motunrayo Babatunde, the women advocate on Radio and the convener of the programme, asserted the role of women cannot be underestimated in the society.

She said, “Women are the backbone of any society. Their hard work, dedication, and love are the foundation upon which our communities are built. They are our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends.”

Mrs. Motunrayo Babatunde (second left), convener of Aye Obinrin

Mrs. Babatunde however regretted that despite the women’s vital contributions and larger population in the society, they are still faced with numerous challenges. “They fight for equality, justice, and recognition, and they strive to break free from the shackles of patriarchy, sexism, and discrimination,” she stated.

Standing against women’s underrepresentation in the affairs of the state, the convener further expressed, “Women deserve more seats at the table where decisions, policies and laws are made that affect them.”

While delivering the lecture, titled, “Empowering women through shared action,” Engr. Professor Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye pointed out that limited leadership opportunities, economic inequality, cultural and social barriers, limited access to technology are some of the challenges faced by women in the society.

She emphasized that women can be inspired through provision of education and research, mentoring of young women, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship and promotion of STEM participation. She added that empowerment “is not an individual journey, it is a collective responsibility, and shared action multiplies impact.”

Personalities conferred with awards during the programme are: Olori Adewuyi Oladuuni Abike; Ms Nasirat Adetunji, a first class graduate of Medical Laboratory Science at Ahmadu Bello University; Mrs. Olayinka O. Balogun, the registrar of LAUTECH; Chief Barr. Esther Funmilayo Adesanya; and Ms Ademola Taiwo Omolade.

Other awardees include Barr. Ademubowale Adelabu, Hon. Mrs. Oluwakemi Alabi Oloriagba, Engr. Prof. Alice Olufunke Oke, Mrs Adepoju V. Adebola, Alhaja Oladepo Rashidat Titilola, Engr. Prof. Funmilayo Nihinlola Osuolale, Tawakalitu Muslim Women Organization of Nigeria, Dr. Olamide Alao Akala, and Mrs. Olaniyan Hamdalat Oyebola.

PHOTOS