‘Women remain integral part of AfCFTA agenda’

Co-champion of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Transportation, Mrs Funmi Folorunsho, has revealed that women remain an integral part of the agenda and activities to be implemented under the agreement.

Folorunsho made this declaration during a courtesy visit on the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as part of efforts aimed at making women thrive as vital components of regional trade activities.

She noted that AfCFTA activities will leverage on women and the youth because of the advantages they offer in the business.

“We are starting off our operations with women. Then we will target the youth. It is our firm belief that we will get a lot of mileage from Women. Women are our immediate tools. They are up and doing.

“While formally presenting ourselves to you, we do hope that going forward, you would direct us, support us, and help us drive this goal as much as is necessary,” Folorunsho added while describing women as great entrepreneurs and mobilizer of resources.

According to her “what we have found out is that we are likely to get a lot of mileage from women, as they have over time proved to be great entrepreneurs and mobilizers of great repute. In every sphere, women are playing a leading role.”

She said the group would need the support of Iyalode Lawson to drive her goals, and by extension put Nigeria at an advantage.

“You are a leader of women, not only in Egbaland but Yorubaland as a whole. You are a rallying point for women. You are a natural leader among the womenfolk. That explains why we are seeking your collaboration today,” added.

In her response, Iyalode Lawson noted that the proposed partnership would stand Ogun State and Nigeria out in good stead.

She said the AfCFTA had enormous potential and would act as a catalyst for economic growth, adding that the AfCFTA, through inspired leadership, would aid development.

“I believe Nigeria should have been the hub of the AfCFTA and with our huge population, I urge us to wake up to our responsibilities and maximize the gains of AfCFTA.

“We are well blessed. We only need to pull resources together and trade within ourselves. We need to put on our value chain so our youths can get employed and we can develop our economy ourselves,” Iyalode noted.

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