Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, on Saturday, charged women to prioritize self-development.
She said only when a woman can add value apart from the beauty and dressing that her voice could be heard and paid cognizance to.
The commissioner made this passionate appeal at Dominion Halls, Ring Road, Ibadan, venue of the Bubu Day Hangout organized by Ibadan Women’s Network.
“The packaging, the beauty and all of that can get you a foot in the door. It might get you a seat at the table, but it would not ensure that your voice is heard and respected,” she said.
Speaking further, Balogun enjoined women to channel the trickery that they are known for in a positive direction, adding that women are not weakling but fearfully and wonderfully made by God to impact their generation.
“But you can only use it when you realize what you have and determine to make the best of it,” she noted.
The commissioner also spoke briefly about several women empowerment programs of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state through her ministry. The interventions, she said, Included but not limited to the recently approved free health insurance for 10,000 women in the state, loans for small scale business and many more.
Earlier in her welcome address, founder of Ibadan Women’s Network, Alhaja Balkiz Karheem, expressed her deep gratitude to all participants for the massive turnout, particularly the special guest of honor of the day, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.
According to Alhaja Karheem, Ibadan Women’s Network is all about celebrating the achievements of Ibadan women, and also to correct those who always underestimate women from Ibadan.
“I can say it with all sense of pride that there are highly successful women in Ibadan. They are professionals, entrepreneurs, women who are doing wonderful well in their various chosen careers. I mean, women who are more than just housewives.”
She added that “the initiative is a community of ambitious and empowered women in Ibadan, to network, to grow and thrive.
The event’s theme “Elevated, Womanhood, Grace, Goals And God”, reinforced the hangout’s core objective, to identify and celebrate excellence in women.
Some of the activities at the event included Red Carpet, Games, Style Contest, Dance Competition, Networking, Exchange of Gifts and more.
The colourful event had in attendance astonishingly-looking women in their different Bubu styles and colors. They include Miss Agbede Adenike, a public health nurse; Asunde Faith Temilade of Vine Buds Private School; Mrs. Adegbile, a makeup artist and CEO, C&K Fragrance and Perfume Empire and Adeoshun Ibiyemi.
Others are Olori Ilori Olusegun; Joyce Adeseyawe of Adesecare Skin Care and Makeup; Owoade Aanuoluwa, a foodstuff vendor; Akintan Oluwabunmi of Bhumyth Multi Ventures Limited; Mrs. Bello Motunrayo, a freight forwarder and CEO of Queenhazbell, among others who are too numerous to mention.
Also came to support his wife, Alhaja Balkis Karheem, was the CEO of Afia Construction & Building Engineering Consultancy Services Ltd., Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, МСАВЕ, the Turaki Adinni of Oyo State and the Mogaji Adanla compound.
