As part of its activities to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) o Friday held it 12th LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award amid pomp and ceremony.
The annual award ceremony which started in 2013, according to the organisers is aimed at honouring women who have contributed greatly to societal development in the areas of agriculture, profession and public service.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, commended the achievements and contributions of women in their various fields of endeavours that include business, farming and professional career.
Obaseki represented by Barrister (Pastor) Uzamere noted that women invaluable contributions to societal development serves as beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the power of determination, resilience and compassion in transforming lives and communities.
In his keynote lecture, Professor Kingsley Omoyibo, stressed on the need for gender equity and noted that in order to build an inclusive society, the potentials and contributions of all, irrespective of gender should be recognized.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the LAPO System, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, reiterated the need for the effective inclusion of women who are willing and able to make contribution to national development.
He lamented that affordable access to finance, quality productive healthcare, and political participation for women, especially in the rural areas, is a mirage adding that “we cannot afford to exclude half of the population from the task of nation building.”
Four women were honoured at the occasion, for their outstanding contributions to national development in their respective communities.
