To Achieve Rapid Development, Empower Women—Aregbesola

By Sodeinde Temidayo David

The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has said if any nation intends to experience rapid economic development, then the women must be empowered.

Speaking at the 21st Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister described women as agents of rapid development, commending the Ministry of Women Affairs for paying special attention to the female gender.

Mr Aregbesola, the immediate past Governor of Osun State, noted that the social and economic development of any society was directly proportional to the level of gender equality and women empowerment.

According to him, where women are encouraged to thrive, there is always rapid development, adding that one of the greatest self-harm humanity has done to itself is to deliberately hold back more than half of its own species.

The Minister in his speech titled Better Women, Better Society described women as God’s special gift to mankind, acknowledging the very vital role they play in human progress, particularly the perpetuation of the human race.

He, therefore, advised women on the way forward, stressing that they need to help themselves in their own emancipation.

He added that in raising their children, they should stop maintaining the myth of male superiority and that they should avoid gender or any form of discrimination and violence against women, noting that children should be trained to respect women.

The Minister also used the occasion to inform of the special consideration given to women in the Ministry of Interior, and also in the recruitment of officers into the four paramilitary agencies under it.

He assured that the Ministry, through its services, will continue to do more as it relates to women as the mandate of the Ministry is fostering the maintenance of internal security and citizenship integrity for the promotion of good governance.

On his part, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Emmanuel Ekuwem, assured of the State’s willingness to continue to partner with the Federal Government in eradicating all forms of violence against women and children and promote the right of females.