Oyo State House of Assembly has stated that it would partner Zonta International, a non-government organisation agitating for the welfare of women, in tackling violence against women, in the state, particularly at the grassroots.
This was stated by the Speaker, Honourable Adesina Adeyemo, during the inauguration of a new executive for the Zonta Club of Ibadan at the club house in Jericho, recently.
The Speaker, who was represented by Honourable Oyebamiji Joshua, commended Zonta for the good work it is doing, saying that the organisation was complementing the efforts of government in promoting the welfare of women.
Adeyemo revealed that the bill on violence against women before the House of Assembly had already passed the first and second readings, “and very soon, we will start the third reading, before it is finally passed into law.
“We, therefore, hope that your organisation will continue to focus on the welfare of women and the girl-child, thereby making the society conducive for this group of people,” the Speaker said.
Earlier in her inauguration address, the new president of the organisation, Mrs Iyabo Bashir, promised to continue to tackle issues militating against the welfare of women and the girl-child.
“I, therefore, want members to give me the support they had given past presidents, so that my tenure can also be successful,” she said.
Also speaking, the chairman on the occasion, Professor Ayo Oluleye of the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Ibadan, charged the new executive to focus on sustainable projects, while bearing in mind the nation’s economic crisis and scarce financial resources, “and as a result, you must not embark on projects you woill not be able to complete,” Professor Oluleye said.
A former international president of the organisation, Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke, administered the oath of office on the new executive, with a charge that they should work hard in order to make an impact on the lives of women and girls.