By Ọmọsọla Olumide
In a world where women’s empowerment continues to be at the forefront of societal progress, Mrs. Bamidele Dapo Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, emphasized that empowering women is not a destination but a continuous journey—a journey that transcends generations and geographic boundaries.
Speaking through her representative, Dr. Elizabeth Olufunke Oyeneye, at the 2024 International Federation of Training and Development Organisations / Committee for Youth and Women Employment and Entrepreneurship (IFTDO/CYWEE) Empowerment Summit, Mrs. Abiodun highlighted the collective responsibility of women to work together in ensuring that empowerment becomes a sustainable legacy.
Dr Olufunke Elizabeth Oyeneye Reading Ogun State First lady speech
The summit, held on September 12, 2024, at Covenant University, featured the theme, "Knowledge Sharing for Women’s Empowerment Beyond 2030." Mrs. Abiodun acknowledged the relevance of the summit’s theme to the global discourse on sustainable development and gender equality, noting how critical knowledge-sharing is in building strong foundations for future generations. She remarked, “Women are integral to the economic and social fabric of our communities. With the right tools and opportunities, from market stalls to boardrooms, women can wield the incredible power they possess to drive progress, innovation, and societal transformation.”
Mrs. Abiodun emphasized the importance of collective wisdom, collaboration, and mentorship as essential elements of empowerment. She noted that sharing knowledge is key to eliminating structural barriers, such as limited access to resources and capital, which women often face. “By pooling our collective wisdom, innovation, and resilience, we can help women rise together,” she stated. The First Lady outlined three essential factors for building a foundation for women’s empowerment beyond 2030: education and capacity building, technological training, and financial literacy with leadership and entrepreneurial development.
In a powerful keynote address, Mrs. Cecilia U. Gayya, Director-General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, implored women to see the future not as something to be entered but as something to be created. “Knowledge is not power,” she declared. “Knowledge shared is power multiplied.” She encouraged women to prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, affirming that collective action and shared wisdom are essential to shaping a prosperous future.
The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Janet Jolaoso, Chairperson of IFTDO/CYWEE for Africa and Asia, who set the tone for the summit. Dr. Jolaoso urged women to be more politically and economically active, citing the fact that women currently make up less than 5% of the total number in Nigeria's National Assembly. She called for greater political consciousness among women and emphasized the importance of mutual support, stating, "We should avoid pulling ourselves down; instead, we must lift each other up.”
Virtual online goodwill messages were received from Dr. Ranjan Mohapatra - Chairman, IFTDO, Mr Tayo Rotimi- IFTDO BOARD Adviser to CYWEE , Ms Anita Chauhan - Co _ Chair _ CYWEE, Patti Phillips- Chair- Elect IFTDO), Mrs Olubunmi Fabamwo, Chairman, Lagos State Civil Service Commission. showing their support, expressing the will for women empowerment and elaborated more on women involvement in global economy and politics. Also Deputy Rector The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr Charlotte Iro-Idoro who was at the event charged every woman to live up to the responsibility ahead in her goodwill message.
The day’s summit also featured a lively and insightful panel discussion, moderated by the representative of Ogun State Hon. Commissioner of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Perm. Secretary of the Ministry Barrister Adejumo Oluwatoyin. The panel, which included Dr. Mrs. Moji Davies, Managing Director of Extra Large Farms; Mr. Fasola from the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Nweke; and Dr. Ita Iru, Deputy Director of Commerce, provided a wealth of ideas on how women can be at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal progress. The discussion expanded the perspectives of attendees, drawing applause for the valuable insights shared.
A highlight of the summit was the induction of new members into the IFTDO/CYWEE community, further strengthening the network of women committed to empowerment and development across Africa. Among those inducted are notable figures such as, Prof. Antonia Adeniji, Dr. Olufunke Adebayo Dr. Toyin Adesanya, all from Department of Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, Dr. Modupe Kasumu, Department of Social Work, Osun State University, Ms. Adefunke Oyinloye, Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, Covenant University, Dr. (Mrs.) Moji Davies, MD Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, Mrs. Joyce Nweke Humanity Consultant and Administrator, Prof. Chinonye Moses, Dr. Oluwakemi Onayemi Department of Business Management,Covenant University, Mrs Omolara Mojeed of Bezaleel Consulting Group and Mrs Mojisola Emordi, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi,
The inductees were charged with the responsibility of replicating their knowledge and efforts to educate and empower women across the continent. Certificates of induction were presented to the new members in a ceremony that underscored the importance of mentorship and leadership in the ongoing empowerment journey.
As the event drew to a close, the prevailing sentiment was clear: empowerment is not a singular achievement but a continuous process of learning, sharing, and lifting others. With women like Mrs. Abiodun, Dr. Jolaoso, and Mrs. Gayya leading the charge, the future of women’s empowerment is undoubtedly brighter, promising to transcend boundaries and push the frontiers of progress beyond 2030.
In conclusion, IFTDO/CYWEE Chairman thanked and appreciated their ever supportive partners and sponsors for the huge success of this year summit. The partners are; TotalEnergies, West African Management Institute Network (WAMDEVIN), Covenant University, BRATIM Business School, MACTAY Consulting, Nigeria Institute Of Training and Development, 1st of RuBel Concept, Phembuj Communications Consulting Firm, The Minerva Colpany, VC, ASCON, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture. Others include; Option 38, NLP Nigeria, JAYBOK Nigeria, Mellirose Clinic, TEE-AY-AY Limited, Pan African College of Enterpreneurship and Professional Studies and The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
Dignitaries at the events include; representative of Ogun state first lady Dr Mrs Elizabeth Olufunke Oyeneye, Ogun state commissioner of Women's Affair and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, represented by Bar. Adejumo Oluwatoyin, Director-General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Mrs Cecilia Gayya, Dr Janet Jolaoso, Chairman IFTDO/ CYWEE, Dr. Mrs. Belinda Odeh, FITD, IFTDO Africa Board Secretary and IFTDO /CYWEE Secretary, Dr.Oscar Odiboh, IFTDO CYWEE Edo State Coordinator Registrar of Covenant University, Mrs Regina Davies, Mrs Felicia Olukoye, Mrs Kehinde Jokotoye, Mrs Omolara Mojeed, Prof. Tayo George Chairman Planning committee for the summit, Deputy Rector Federal Polytechnics Ilaro,Dr. Charlotte Iro-Idoro, President, Institute of Leadership Coaching and Strategy (ILCS), Dr. Olasunkade Azeez, FILCS., Dr Toyin Davies Managing Director Extra Large Farm , Dr Ronke Asaolu Coordinator for Covenant University Master of Event - Dr Femi Bolaji with Dr. Kehinde Oyesomi and host of others.
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