... Commissioner charges women in leadership to embrace service, savings, skills and self-development
The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Osamaye, has urged women leaders in the state to use their positions, influence and privileges to empower others rather than expose, ridicule or gossip about them.
Osamaye gave the charge at a cocktail dinner held as part of a one-day capacity-building workshop and retreat organised for female leaders at Nibanola Resorts and Golf, Ondo City.
The retreat brought together female political office holders, appointed officials, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and parastatals, as well as leaders of non-governmental organisations and political support groups.
The programme ended with a cocktail dinner featuring dancing competitions and rewards for outstanding performances in different categories.
The women also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife for what they described as their commitment to the welfare of women in the state.
Speaking after the evening's activities, Osamaye urged women occupying positions of authority to see leadership as an opportunity to create pathways for others, stressing that no woman should deliberately pull down another because of her weaknesses or challenges.
“The power that God has given us should be used to support our fellow women and sisters. We should cover up for one another when necessary. If you know someone with a weakness or going through a difficult situation, support her. Do not expose her, gossip about her or mock her,” she said.
The commissioner noted that everyone had personal challenges, adding that women could overcome many of their difficulties when they remained determined and supported one another.
She said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development had introduced programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of women, while opportunities were also available through cooperative societies and other intervention channels.
Osamaye encouraged women to develop a strong savings culture, noting that regular savings, regardless of the amount, could provide financial security during difficult periods.
She also advised beneficiaries of government grants and empowerment programmes to make judicious use of the opportunities provided, stressing that the interventions were designed to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
The commissioner, however, challenged women leaders to look beyond government support and critically assess what they were doing with the opportunities already available to them.
“The question we must ask ourselves is: what are we doing with the opportunities we have been given?” she asked.
Osamaye further urged women not to abandon their businesses, careers or dreams because of negative comments or discouragement from others.
She advised women operating small businesses to remain committed and continually seek ways to improve their ventures, regardless of their current income or level of success.
On leadership, the commissioner emphasised humility and service, warning women in positions of authority not to allow titles or political appointments to change their character.
“Leadership is about service. If you cannot serve, you cannot lead effectively. Many people who have become great leaders started by serving others,” she said.
She encouraged participants to embrace the principle of lifting others as they rise by deliberately creating opportunities for other women to grow, acquire skills and attain leadership positions.
The commissioner also called on women to pursue further education and acquire relevant skills, particularly digital skills, in response to the growing influence of technology on modern society.
She urged the participants to use the retreat for honest self-assessment, identify areas requiring improvement and develop strategies for personal and professional growth.
Before the participants departed, Osamaye led them in a physical fitness session, describing physical exercise as beneficial to both the mind and body.
Some of the participants who spoke on the impact of the retreat expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the programme, saying it provided an opportunity for women leaders to reflect, connect and engage in a serene environment.
Among the dignitaries at the event were female permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies, women political leaders, the Ondo State APC Woman Leader, Princess Iji Aiyeola; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kolawole Kayode; and directors of the ministry.
