Former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ondo State; Hon. (Princess) Omowunmi Olatunji; on Thursday, declared her interest to run for Senate to represent Ondo Central District.
The declaration was the highpoint of events marking the 18th edition of Monisola Adeniyan Eddo Foundation empowerment for widows.
Giving her remarks, Hon. Omowunmi said her ambition was fuelled by her passion to attract progress to her constituency, stressing that she is ready to use her networks to lobby at the National Assembly and work with all appropriate government agencies in order to make life more meaningful for the people.
While calling for support towards achieving her goal, Hon. Omowunmi said she will among others bridge the gap between the electorate and their representatives, enhance feedback mechanism and also ensure that the voice of her people is heard.
She however used the opportunity to thank all leaders of All Progressives Congress in the state and also the wife of the Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu for advocating for more female participations in governance just as she acknowledged her numerous initiatives that has been lifting many women out of poverty in the State.
On why she has in last 18 years been empowering people of her constituency through the Monisola Adeniyan Eddo Foundation, the Akure Princess said it was an annual event that commemorates the passing of her late mother for her selfless lifestyle and generosity.
“The aims of the foundation includes provision of charitable items for the needy, provision of free vocational training for the aged, widows, and orphans”, she added saying no fewer than 125 graduates from the vocational training will also receive certificates of completion.
Flagging off Hon (Princess) Omowunmi Olatunji for Senate, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Akeredolu said his administration is
committed to empowering and encouraging women to attain the peak just as he noted that with the new arrangement that favours inclusion of 2 female delegates, there are high hopes that women will achieve their overall objectives.
The Governor also used the opportunity to acknowledge the good works done by Omowunmi; yearly; by reaching out to the less privileged saying it was a sure sign of responsibility.
Also speaking, the First Lady; Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu; while stressing the need for women to rally round and support women vying for political positions, said this is not about Omowunmi’s interest but about women’s inclusion in governance.
Mrs. Akeredolu who said for too long women have been relegated to the background, further noted that it was time to change the narratives and praised Omowunmi for daring to contest the position.
In separate remarks, the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, Special Adviser on Gender, Research and Documentation to Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Tope Daniyan and Hon. Idowu Otetubi while charging women to support Hon Omowunmi, said getting the 35% affirmation for women takes deliberate steps.
The climax of the event was the official flag off of Hon. Omowunni For Senate by the Governor of Ondo State.
Other highlights of the event included distribution of palliatives to over 1,000 widows as well as the cutting of the cake.
The event was attended by the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu and the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Adebunmi Osadahun,who represented Governor of Ondo State and his wife, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; respectively.
Also in attendance were Barr. Tobi Ogunleye, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, FOWOSO women and other government functionaries.
