PHOTOS: Ibadan Agog As AWCS Inaugurates New Excos, Launches Food Bank, Honours ‘Benefactors’

PHOTOS: Ibadan Agog As AWCS Inaugurates New Excos, Launches Food Bank, Honours ‘Benefactors’.

Afeez Bello

It was an affectionate moment today, February 14, as Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society(AWCS) inaugurated new executives, launched food bank, presented awards of excellence to its benefactors and certificates of office to its coordinators across all the 33 Local Government Areas in Oyo state, at Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape Area, in Ibadan.

While delivering her speech, the Grand Matron of AWCS, Mrs Kemi Nelson, represented by the Southwest Coordinator of AWCS, Mrs Olusola Kokumo maintained that every members should be committed to the mission and vision of the society.”This cooperative society will start empowering women across the state”, she revealed and pleaded with members to abide by the rules and regulations guiding AWCS so that they will not hinder the benefit of their guarantors.

While launching the State Food Bank, Mrs Kokumo urged all members to work extensively so that Oyo State chapter of AWCS will be able to beat their other states’ counterpart. She canvassed support for Hon. Oke Are Aina as Member, Oyo State House of Assembly, come 2023.”She’s is tested and trusted, so, please, let’s all rally round her, Kokumo emphasized.

While giving her keynote speech on “Building Strong Capacities for Women in Politics, former SA on Students Affairs to late Governor Ajimobi, Hon.(Mrs) Fatimah Hassan noted that AWCS is poised to enhance the participation of women in politics. She advised women to be very intentional.

Hassan maintained that power is not served ‘a la carte’ and made reference to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whom she said he has made bold step by expressing his interests to contest for Nigerian Presidency, come 2023, to Alake of Egba Land and other eminent Nigerians. She advised the congregants to concentrate on the collective goals.”A female commissioner is the only one in current administration in Oyo State which is Commissioner For Women Affairs while late Sen. Ajimobi had many women in his cabinet during his tenure. “Volunteer yourselves for public services, improve public speaking, participate in politics”, she charged.

“As female politicians, please, let’s prioritize entrepreneurship. Please, don’t neglect your business for politics”. She maintained that women should support one another always.

Hassan noted that Asiwaju has acceptability nationwide. She challenge the representative of APC National Leader, Tinubu to advise former Lagos state governor to state explicitly, the agenda he has for women.

In her remarks, Former Commissioner for Health, Hon Esther Funmilayo described Asiwaju Tinubu as a rare Nigerian who is not common. She advised women to engage in businesses.

The former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Funmilayo encouraged Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society’s Coordinator in the State, Hon. Oke Are Aina to facilitate Agricultural Empowerment for AWCS members.”As an agriculturist, we will soon organize agricultural empowerment program for Women”, she hinted.

While giving remarks on the antecedents and records of the Awardees, Oyo-State AWCS Coordinator, Hon Oke-Are described all the awardees as the people of integrity and honour. “They received these awards because they deserved to be awarded since they have contributed positively and immensely to the lives of people. Yes, it’s not motivated by money.

In attendance were Chief(Dr) Florence Ajimobi(represented), Pastor(Mrs) Patient Alli, Mrs Mabel William, Alhaja Tanimowo Iyabo, Mrs Tolulope Gbadamosi, Alhaja Amudalat Alubankudi represented by Mrs Taiwo Ogidan, Mrs Fatimah Hassan, Alhaja Shittu (AWCS Lagos State Coordinator), Mrs Funke Olanrewaju, Chief Mrs Lola Yussuf, Alhaji Semiu Alebiosu (Grand Patron of AWCS), Hon Barrister Laide Badmus, Engineer Nurudeen Faozey, Chief Mrs Abosede Ibrahim, Mrs Modupe Olaoye, Mrs Adeleke, Alhaja Ruqayat Mustapha and several others.