BETTY Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the Ondo State governor, has restated the need for women to understand the importance of healthy life as they represent a vibrant force in the economic development of a nation.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu made the assertion when she led other members of the Forum Of Wives of Ondo State Officials, FOWOSO, to the palace of Oba Adegoke Adeusi, JP, Olufon of Ifon, on a courtesy visit, during the 8th FOWOSO empowerment outreach at Ose LGA, to ntimate him on the mission of FOWOSO.

According to Anyanwu-Akeredolu who is a 20 years old breast cancer survivor, there is a need to continue to create awareness among women about breast cancer as it is a medical condition which is not a death sentence if detected early.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu who noted that the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, her non-governmental organisation, has been in the forefront galvanising actions against cancer urged women to visit the hospital if they detect any strange lump in their breast.

On the mission of FOWOSO, the wife of the governor stressed that the forum serves as a platform for women in privileged positions giving helping-hand to other women who are not so privileged in the communities so that they could also have a head start in life.

“We have also noted that nobody is useless. You are only useless when you don’t have opportunity so, FOWOSO decided to create opportunity for women regardless of who they are or where they are from. We may not be able to cover everybody but this is an indication that we really mean what we say that women should and must play a role in the social economic development of the society.

“If you look at the skills we are offering them, they don’t need to break the bank to set up their shops; they can stay in their homes and generate incomes,” she added.

In his remark, Oba Adetunji Oluwole, the Olute of Ute, lauded the efforts of Anyanwu-Akeredolu noting that since assumption into office, she had been going about doing good.

Adeusi, who further endorsed the good work being done by BRECAN, also used the opportunity to thank Anyanwu-Akeredolu for changing the lives of rural women across the state as many men cannot fend for their families alone.

“I have heard so much about the activities of BRECAN. What you have been doing since assumption of your husband into office is simply to go about doing good – that summarises everything one can say about you.  You are not just empowering these women but you are also equipping them,” he added.

The highpoint of the event was the distribution of empowerment kits which include sewing machines, hair dryers, grinding machines among others to the beneficiaries at St Paul Primary School, Ifon, the venue of the programme.

Women and youths that had earlier been trained on different skill areas which include bead, shoes and bag making among others were also empowered and given certificates by the First Lady.

The event also featured medical check -up and as well special ‘sekem dance’ segment where women were taught how to use their three fingers and mirror to do self breast examination.

Others in attendance include Timehin Adelegbe,  the commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oba S.A. Egunjobi II, the Alafo of Afo; Adeyeoba Owasunloye III, the Arujale Ojima of Okeluse; Oba Moses Ekundayo Bakare III, the Onidogun of Idogun and Obama Babatunde Adeniran, JP, the Onimeri of Imeri kingdom.

– July 6, 2018 @ 11:55 GMT |