Your Excellencies, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure and profound honor that I welcome you all to this important webinar organized by the HID Awolowo Foundation. Today’s theme, “Building a viable society in challenging times; The critical Role of women,” could not be more timely or relevant, as our nation continues to navigate complex challenges on multiple fronts.
The HID Awolowo Foundation was established to preserve and promote the enduring legacy of our matriarch, Chief (Dr.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Mama’s life and work remind us that women possess not only the strength but also the wisdom, resilience, and innovation to shape a better society, even in the most trying circumstances, which she was famously associated, having been described by her husband as his “JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE VALUE”.
Today, as we gather virtually, we are reminded that the challenges we face—from economic instability to social inequality, cannot be addressed without the active participation, leadership, and vision of women. Women are the backbone of families, communities, and nations, and their role is indispensable in fostering peace, progress, and sustainable development.
For example,The Mano River Women’s Peace Network was founded in May 2000 under the auspices of the (ECOWAS) and their mission is to advocate for and promote at all decision-making levels the involvement of women and youth in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict in the Mano River sub region. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra-Leone.
It served as a catalyst for sustainable peace, human security and justice by ensuring gender responsive policies and building women/girls capacity for socio-economic, political empowerment and human development for all.
This webinar brings together His Excellency, the Vice President of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary general of the United Nations, State Governors, First Ladies, thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore practical strategies for empowering women to lead the change in building a more viable and inclusive Nigeria. I am confident that the insights shared here will inspire action and create ripple effects that extend far beyond this platform.
On behalf of the HID Awolowo Foundation, I thank you all for your presence, commitment, and contributions to this vital conversation. Together, let us chart a path toward a society where the potential of women is fully realized, utilized and celebratedfor a better future for our country Nigeria.
Thank you, and I wish us all fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
and then