Ben Ezechime, Enugu
President-General of Nigerian Union in South Africa, Hon. Doris Ikeri-Solarin, has tasked Nigerian women on taking up leadership positions and attaining their socioeconomic and political dreams.
Ikeri-Solarin gave the task in Enugu at ‘Nwanyi Bu Ife’ (A Woman is Great Treasure) Festival 2024 with the theme, “A Woman and Her Dream: Where Are Our Women?”
The festival also featured Women Doing Amazing Things (WODAT) award ceremony conferred on 30 distinguished Nigeria illustrious daughters, who have continued to push the boundaries of limitations in their spheres of human endeavours.
Ikeri-Solarin, who noted that only women can multi-task and achieve results in various spheres simultaneously, urged them to discard inferiority complex but pursue their dreams with boldness, focus and determination.
“From the stand point of my personal experiences and exposure, I believe our women have all it takes to move beyond the skies and attain new records in every endeavour of life.
“We can look at Kamala Harris of United States that contested for the Presidency. She was almost there. Our women should pick up courage and stand firm, bold and resilient to fight to the top.
“As women, we must aspire; extend our limits, put focus and courage ahead.
“Shattering limits and boundaries should be our mindset and target and it should start from homes with our girls being supported and encouraged by family members and friends to climb to the top,” she said.
She advised women to ensure that they empower themselves economically to contribute to their homes and communities adding that “women should not depend on anybody; as we do well as economic managers.”
On the few women in the political space in the country currently; Ikeri-Solarin said that it could be reversed with women coming up with bold-hearts and perseverance to take up the challenge with their male counterparts.
“We have to stand tall and together to achieve our goals. We must network among ourselves since we have the numbers politically as well,” she said.
Earlier, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in United Kingdom, Ireland and Scotland, Chief Aqueen Ibeto, noted that every woman should nurture their innate gift and respect the man around them for their uplift.
Ibeto said: “As a woman, you must be focused, dedicated and humble. For us to grow, respect every man around you for your prayers to be effective and you will have easy uplift.”
In a remark, Gov. Peter Mbah, represented by Mrs Rita Mba, Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, thanked the convener for providing an opportunity to showcase illustrious daughters, adding: “I urge the convener to make the event an annual one in Enugu State.”
Mbah noted that the days when women are kept in the kitchen had passed, adding that today, training a woman means training a woman that would nurture and direct a nation better.
“A woman with a dream and substance has strength and resilience to break-forth. Many women, especially those of Igboland, have excelled in various fields of human endeavours.
“I congratulate the awardees and urge our women to continue to push the frontiers of development and exceptional achievement and progress in various field of human endeavours,” he said.
In a health presentation, Dr Richard Okoye, Founder of Save A Life Hospital, urged women to prioritise their health over business as they should engage physicians anytime they have health challenges.
“I want our women to be practical and seek medical attention and dwell less on attributing everything wrong with their health to spiritual attacks and pointing accusing fingers on those close to them,” Okoye said.
The Convener of Nwanyi-Bu-Ife Festival, Amb. Chinemerem Anyi, noted that the festival was more than just an event.
“It is a movement, a celebration and a catalyst for hard work and perseverance.”
Anyi said: “The festival seeks to reaffirm the power, resilience, and boundless potential within every woman and girl in our society.
“Through our conversations, cultural displays, panel sessions, and spoken word performances, we aim to shine a light on the paths that lead women towards their aspirations, offering the support and community to walk those paths.”
The awardees included: Mrs Gladys Towobola, Chief Executive of Peezeel Farms South-Africa; Patience Okonkwo, commercial tricycle rider; Mrs Chinyere Dikeogu, Chairman, Amazing Love Kitchen; Mrs Rita Okwor, hardworking Enugu Traffic officer; Ikeri-Solarin and Ibeto among others.
