Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State in collaboration with other professional women groups in the state have tasked the Nigerian women on alternative source of income in order to be able to cope with life after retirement.
The groups gave the task during a one-day seminar organized to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.
The theme of this year’s event is “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment”.
The epoch event which attracted professional women groups across the state was held at The John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA).
The various professional women in attendance major objectives are the continuation of the advocacy for more women inclusion and recognition in governance and the society at large.
The chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan who also doubles as the convener of the Professional Woman Group, a coalition of professional women in Edo state, in her opening remarks, advised that women be adequately empowered and also endeavours to have a means of livelihood.
Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan further said as a professional” it is ideal that you try and have streams of income because definitely, no matter how active you are, it gets to a point that you have to take your bow out of service.
“So, after that time out, what do you do? So, we are encouraging women to try as much as possible to have other means of livelihood and participate actively in politics.”
The Edo State first lady ,Mrs Betsy Obaseki, represented by Mrs Efosa Uyigue, the Vice-chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area , appealed to government at various levels to make available, easy loans to women so as to be able to support their businesses and also encourage them to take up leadership positions.
“It is a good initiative that this seminar is holding today. We should continue to have events like this and we should continue to preach women inclusion.
“One of our songs writers, Osayomore Joseph said give women a chance.”
Guest Speaker at the event, Mr. Efosa Eghobamien, highlighted various steps needed so as to face the challenges of life after retirement .
The guest speaker, emphasized the way of adjusting to a new life and the need not to wait to retire before engaging in other jobs or means of livelihood.
According to him, ” we must prepare for retirement and this is a reality check list, then you also need to know who are your friends. Just ensure you are constantly upgrading yourself”.
In a Keynote address delivered by Professor Evelyn Uwa Edosomwan of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, itemized various ways to empower women in the society which countries are beginning to recognized.
“A sustainable economic growth does not take place without the involvement of the women in the nation, hence we are putting greater emphasis in the inclusion of women in all areas of national development.
Goodwill messages were received from the Edo state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Hon.Monday Osaigbovo represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs Uyigue, Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Honourable Mrs. Christabel Omoh-Ekwu was represented by permanent secretary Mrs Irenosen Ihensekhien amongst others.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to five illustrious sons and daughters of Edo by the coalition of Professional Women Group who have contributed selflessly to humanity which includes the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Osarodion Ogie and Dr. Mrs Nosa Aladesule, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide -Edigin, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Fidelis Arhedo and Dr Petronilla Akpan.