African countries have been urged to renew their commitment to womens empowerment as a crucial step towards nation-building.

This call was made by a former Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe, in his keynote address during the 10^thanniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Omokungbe, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, aligned his advocacy with the broader initiative by WINBAFRICA for womens empowerment in Africa, which aims to improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation for women. He emphasized that this multifaceted effort aims to eliminate gender inequality, uphold womens rights, and create an environment where women can thrive socially, economically, and politically.

WINBAFRICA is a non-profit organization that implements various projects and interventions including Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back-to-School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and Monthly Newsletter production.

According to Omokungbe, the journey toward womens empowerment in Africa involves a comprehensive approach that spans various sectors, including education, healthcare, economy, and politics. By investing in womens empowerment, the scholar believes, African countries can cultivate a more equitable society where women can achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of their nations.

He said: "These renewed commitments would require collaboration and partnership among governments, Civil Society, the Private sector and International Organizations. They include the implementation of programmes and initiatives to promote womens entrepreneurship, access to credit, land ownership, and participation in the formal economy including targeted support for women in agriculture and small businesses. Commitment to increasing womens representation in political leadership and decision-making positions through measures such as quotas, training programmes, and support for womens political participation at all levels of government and comprehensive strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence including legal reforms, support services for survivors and campaigns to change social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.

President, WINBAFRICA, Dr Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi, said the event with the theme, Bridging the Gap: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building was designed to celebrate the legacy and advancement of womens course.

Nation-building is an ongoing effort carried out by women of every generation. As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade, we remain committed to empowering future generations in all sectors of the economy. We provide tuition, teaching equipment, and other resources to young girls and boys to show them that we care about their education and that they are the ones who will continue this effort. Our ultimate goal is to promote unity and peace and to inspire hope for a better future, she submitted.

A school debate competition between Steady Steps School in Lekki and Bomak International Schools in Surulere, Lagos highlighted the commemorative event. The two schools had made it to the final stage of the competition. Victoria Osademe of Bomak International Schools, Surulere, Lagos emerged as the best speaker of the day while Steady Steps School, Lekki won the WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders Trophy (WYNBT).

During the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable, senior secondary students of Bomak International College in Surulere, Lagos discussed Environmental Responsibility. Additionally, 20 young girls and boys were beneficiaries of the WINBAFRICA scholarship program at the event.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Dr Kemi Akiyode Adebayo (BOT, WINBAFRICA), Toyin Joe Bassey (Secretary General, WINBAFRICA), Dr Oluseun Popoola (Panelist Chairperson), among others.

PHOTO: L-R; Dr Kemi Akiyode-Adebayo (BOT WINBAFRICA) Blissful Oke, Nyhero Pela, Kyala Michaels of Steady Steps School Lekki Lagos, winners of WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders Trophy (WYNBT) at WINBAFRICA schools debate 2024, Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (Founder WINBAFRICA), Barnabas Wasiu (Time Keeper), Mrs. Ronke Adeshoga, Ummi Bodede (Chairperson, Panel of Judges) Barr. Chigozie Chinwe, during the 10^thanniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.