A Speech Presented by Her Excellency, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, First Lady of Ondo State, at official Book Launch of the Book “WE LIVE THESE LIVES” at the Law Hub, Ibadan Oyo State
Protocol…
It is my pleasure to be a part of this success story of the Female Professionals’ Bookclub led by my sister Mrs Ezinne Ibe, today as a Special Guest of Honor.
Putting these experiences in writing is one of the great achievements any woman could have ever recorded in a lifetime.
That I am excited is an understatement because I behold a chronicle of some women’s giant strides irrespective of the pedestal they achieved them.
As if you don’t know, we(women) have been indoctrinated and our psyche tampered with to believe the women are made for the lower rungs of the ladder of greatness in life.
I am piqued by this from cradle, and with the support of my father, Late Chief B.U.B Anyanwu who raised me not as a girl child but as a child, I shrugged off the erroneous and wicked gospel which some still preach till today.
Whatever heights my male counterparts would ascend to, I must get there and even surpass them. That’s my vow.
But I sworn to myself, I am not going to traverse this path alone. Many female folks must accompany me, both young and old.
My hubby, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, present governor of Ondo State, Nigeria, was supportive of this rebellious agitation.
Today, that dream of mine is alive in two of my dearest initiatives, BEMORE EMPOWERED GIRLS FOUNDATION and Foundation For Wives of Ondo State Officials, (plus Female appointees) FOWOSO.
BEMORE a platform through which we train young girls in STEM, Solar Technology, ICT and other life enhancing skills, mentoring them to “BE MORE” in life.
FOWOSO a forum through which Ondo women are empowered to participate and excel in Political, business and others sectors of influence in Nigeria.
No more inequality in treatment of females in this nation, Nigeria.
In the political arrangement, we must be accommodated.
Against Gender-based violence, we shall fight to standstill.
They claimed some professions are preserve of male child, we disagreed and pushed forward our girls, who eventually demystified their claim, as they excelled beyond belief.
Never again shall women take the back seat in decision-making in this nation, Nigeria.
It is so clear now that no height is too high for us(females) to climb. We shall continue to soar to greater heights resiliently.
How happy I am, I have winners in Mrs Ezinne Ibe and her team members.
She’s a General in the war and none of her soldiers in the bookclub is lazy.
“We Live These Lives” is a testimony of the triumphant exploits of her team. Till gender inequality is brought to its knees, we will remain resilient in the fight.
Take a look at achievements of women folks chronicled in this book.
Yes, Women can!
Thanks for listening.
