The MMS Woman of Fame Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative has admonished the federal government to seriously investigate the allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, Founder of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, made this call during an event to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Lagos, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, which featured a corporate Road-Walk by women and men as well as a conference with eminent personalities as guest speakers, Mr. Anaroke stressed the significance of women standing up for each other even as he demanded a thorough investigation on Senator Natasha’s alleged sexual harassment.
His words: “As a women-centric non-profit organisation, MMS WoFHoF is calling on the federal government to do thorough investigation on the allegations of sexual harassment on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We recall that a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh, also had similar allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio. The incident with the former NDDC boss was swept under the carpet.”
Speaking on the newly launched MMS Multi-purpose Cooperative society, he expressed optimism that it would enable women access to affordable basic human needs products and service experience.
Anaroke also disclosed that the WoFHoF Co-operative Multi-Purpose Society is designed with automated system and real-time digital platforms for members.
The Chairperson of the event, a former Director, Human Resources, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mrs. Adaku Okam, stated that women must appreciate their unique identities and celebrate their potentials.
“As mothers, we shelter humanity within our femininity. We have God’s own smile upon the newborn and the actor of the growing child in the journey of life. As wives, we are entrenched in the giving of love and life.
“As daughters, we bring beauty into the heart of the family. As sisters, we offer generosity and trust. We are indeed the salt of the world. So, let us celebrate our deep and unique history of simply being women. Though we have come a long way, a long path awaits to be conquered,” she said.
Okam, however, emphasized the need for women to be awake to defending their own by speaking up when it matters. “We must intentionally create more rooms for growth and prosperity. There is a must for empowerment, deliberate mentorship, targeted upskilling and receiving of women for self-sustenance,” she added.
While delivering a guest lecture on ‘Modeling Women for Career and Business Growth’, the Managing Partner, Temerity International Experts Limited, Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi, listed the accomplishments of renowned women including; Elizabeth Holmes, Pratiksha Tondwalker, Folorunso Alakija, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mosunmola Abudu, Ibukun Awosika, Princess Vicky Haastrup, among others.
Ogunniyi identified some of the inspirations of the top achieving women as well as their actions and commitment to attaining the peak in their respective fields.
Addressing the participants, which included scores of women and female students from Querencia Secondary School, she asserted that with proper research, a commitment to personal development, willingness to ask for advice and help, exploring mentorships and networking; women can be successful in any career or business.
Another guest lecture titled “Quit Gender-Based Violence in Work and Business Places,” was delivered by the Head, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Zonal Command, Lagos, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, highlighting the agency’s role in combating trafficking.
The Zonal NAPTIP boss, who was represented by Mr. Fredrick Uche Oko, explained various forms of gender-based violence (GBV), necessary actions for GBV victims, NAPTIP’s role in tackling the menace, among other related issues.
Nonetheless, the highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the MMS WoFHoF Co-operative Multi-Purpose Society by the Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Mrs. Folasade Ambrose-Medebem, as the event’s Special Guest of Honour.
The Commissioner, who was represented by Mrs. Bukky Oladayo, listed the functions and benefits of an equitably managed Cooperative Society, even as she charged the executives to be transparent and accountable.
