Speeches

Deepening Women’s Understanding And Participation In The Implementation Of The NERAD/NEPRA-NPOA

May 26, 2009 - I am happy to welcome you all to this one-day South-West Zonal Conference organized with the aim of sensitizing our womenfolk in particular and by extension, the general public on the National Programme of Action (NPOA), on the methodology of approach towards the implementation of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

The theme of this conference “deepening women for understanding and participation in the implementation of the NEPAD/APRM NPOA” is a profound statement and an appreciation of the present global trend of recognizing our womenfolk as part of a fulcrum in the socio-economic development of any society.

The choice of Lagos for this conference, I dare say is quite appropriate bearing in mind the target groups that are meant to be critical participants/stakeholders in the attainment of the objectives.

I understand that these target groups among our womenfolk include female journalists, top economists and politicians, female community experts, female law makers, female students, retired uniformed women, among others. Let me offer my own unsolicited advice that it should include serving women and not only retired women.

It has become necessary that women must be made aware and be involved in all development policies and programmes that would bring about socio-economic growth and development such as that of NEPAD.

The objectives of this conference which is being put together by the State government in collaboration with Equity Advocates, a non-governmental organisation include enhancing women’s capacity to be involved in effective monitoring and evaluation of the NPOA processes.

Significantly, our interest in Lagos State and our administration is to make the difference by improving the well-being of the largest number of people in line with the Millennium Goals reports which are; to eradicate extreme poverty and equality; empower women; reduce child mortality; improve material health; combat HIV/AIDS; Malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and, develop the global partnership for development.

Womenfolk are the cement of the family, the average woman midwife the average family, even where the man is the provider of the wherewithal. To that extent, the success of NEPAD policy thrust will depend largely on the effective mobilization and participation of our womenfolk.

In order to actualize this, it is necessary therefore that the capacity of our womenfolk must and should be enhanced towards the effective monitoring and evaluation of the National Programme of Action (NPOA). And that is where this conference is not a jamboree but an effective avenue for cross fertilization of ideas for the best approach towards the attainment of our collective desired goals.

With all due respect, modesty and the corporation and support of all well-meaning citizens and corporate individuals, since our assumption of office, almost two years ago, we have taken our electioneering promise as a challenge and build on the giant strides of our predecessor and create a platform for prosperity and wealth for our people.

We are calling for collaboration, support and we are partnering to ensure that we deliver more to the benefits of our people to ensure that the objectives for which NEPAD/APRM was established are fully accomplished. I am aware that in our midst there are able guest lecturers who will further do justice to the theme and achieve the desired awareness and sensitization to the womenfolk that are represented here.

I commend the Equity Advocates, the publisher of “Women Today Newspaper”, a non-governmental organisation in putting up this timely and enlightening conference. Once again, I welcome you all to this conference and to our State, the Centre of Excellence and wish you successful deliberations.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Executive Governor,
Lagos State