The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele has advised women to create for themselves, a supportive ecosystem to drive positive change necessary for achieving greater outcomes in a competitive world where opportunities also abound.
Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele gave the advice at the 2023 edition of Women in Management and Leadership (WIMLEAD) Conference with the theme Building Alliances and Strategic Relationships held in Lagos.
She noted that building strategic relationships was pivotal to propelling new heights as well as opening up opportunities for success, adding that alliance was not just a connection but rather a collaboration rooted in shared goals and values.
Giving the Ogun State example, the Deputy Governor revealed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration was poised at ensuring women were given priority in leadership positions, saying this underscores the good leadership and management roles that women have held and holding in the social, economic and political life of the state.
She urged participants to note that in their pursuit of building alliances and forging strategic relationships, they must keep in mind the fundamental principles of gender equality, stating that women have been known to shatter glass ceilings and overcome countless barriers not synonymous to their gender.
In laying further credence to this, Salako-Oyedele posited that achieving gender equality was not just morally imperative, it had now become economically and socially imperative as well for unlocking the full potential of the nation, fostering innovation, driving economic growth through creation of a more just and prosperous society.
In her welcome address, the President and Chairman of Council, Dr (Mrs) Christiana Atako, said women all over the world have continued to prove their mettle, having acquitted themselves creditably in all walks of life, noting that women have exhibited high level of excellence, determination, and inspiration by managing human and material resources with accountability, transparency and efficiency.
While saying that there was a compelling need for women to build alliance and strategic relationship in their bid to break the glass ceiling and get to the pinnacle of their career wherever they choose to compete, she added that conscious must be made by all concerned to encourage women instead of preventing them from attaining top positions politically.
Highlight of the programme was presentation of Awards to the deputy governor and other guests present at the Conference.