November 29, (THEWILL) – Stakeholders at the 2021 National Mothers Peace Summit recently convened to chart a course for the peace of Nigeria through the empowerment of women and the girl-child.
Part of the reason for the gathering was to also honour dignitaries, which made the special members of the organisation help pilot, promote and enhance the activities of the NGO.
The event which took place alongside the inauguration of Lifesavers Ambassador International (LISAIM), Lagos State chapter under the leadership of Ambassador Stella Akaigwe.
The summit had Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen (represented by the Director, Women Development Department), Mrs. Funke Oladipo; wife of the former governor of Imo State, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha; royal fathers, and dignitaries, in attendance.
Bishop Juanita Nwendu in her speech said “At this time the country is facing a lot of challenges in the area of insecurity such as kidnapping, killing, banditry, agitations from separatists, the life of vulnerable and underserved women and girl-child needs to be improved and protected. I will say the diversity of Nigeria is the essence of its beauty, even though tribes and thoughts may differ, but in brotherhood, we stand.
“Long-lasting peace of any nation cannot be achieved if women or mothers are not carried along, for they are nation bridge-builders and nourishers of lives, good economist, managers and peacekeepers, calling them peace ambassadors. So, the government should involve them more in the system,” she advised.
The founder explained that Lifesavers Ambassador International is a non-political, non-religious and governmental organisation, but an international NGO that cuts across Africa, Europe and America, registered under United Nations with the sole aim to promote peace, unity, improvement of life of vulnerable and underserved women, girl-child and youths to eradicates poverty through empowerment.
She said LISAIM through its outreach across the world, has done tremendously to assist and bring many out of the crisis.
“Our organisation aside its commitment to empower vulnerable women, our mission also includes gender equality to eliminate any form of violence and mistreatment such as rape, child abuse, human trafficking and so on against women and girl-child.
“We are committed to building affordable schools and healthcare centres, equipped to reduce illiteracy, early death, child mortality among women and girl-child and promotion of peace in nations of the world, and unity of women,” she stated.
She used the occasion to appreciate the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for being gender-friendly, assuring that the organisation is set to recognise his efforts in that respect soon, but urging him to do more in empowering and promoting women and the girl-child. Ambassador Juanita said her organisation is ready to join forces with the government of Lagos State to empower, educate and eliminate violence and poverty among women and girls and as well position them for economic value and digital competency.
Resolved to improve the lives of underserved women and girls, the United Nations Ambassador tasked the privileged members of the society to ensure they live for others by impacting lives, for greater achievement. She called on them to join forces with her organisation as this is the only way their impact can be felt and remembered even when they are not here again.
Speaking through her representative, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, acknowledged the exemplary efforts of Lifesavers in ensuring the underserved women and girls-child experienced a better life improvement.
She said “Mothers are the first educator of peace at home and in the community, mothers build bridges and mobilise for not just the family, but for the whole community. Women therefore, play a crucial role to their families and the communities as well. So, to experience peace in our nation building, women must be given roles at all level.”
She congratulated Lagos chapter of the organisation, and its Commissioner, Amb. Akaigwe, on their inauguration, charging them to continue the good work, and promising to collaborate with LISAIM in their undertakings. She, however, used the occasion to call on other women and girl-child advocacy groups in the country to emulate LISAIM.
One of the highpoints of the event was the inauguration and induction of LISAIM, Lagos chapter members, while Mrs. Stella Nkoli Akaigwe was decorated as Commissioner and the Ambassador of the chapter, She also earned a loud applause when she was decorated the best serving LISAIM Commissioner in Nigeria for the year 2021.
The delectable Akaigwe was magnanimous in her speech, appreciating Ambassador Juanita for the opportunity given to her to serve and extoling the virtues of the dignitaries that have been supporting the course of the organisation in Lagos State.
Earlier in her welcome address, Akaigwe had said: “It is only by God’s grace that we are enjoying the privilege of your esteemed presence today. It has not been a smooth-sail, and that is why we are saying a big ‘thank you’ to Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Juanita Nwendu, the well spirited leader and the Founder/President, Lifesavers Ambassadors International, who guided, counseled, motivated and supported us every inch of the way towards making this event a reality.
“May I also put on record our deep gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen, OFR, for being a pillar of support to us.
“We are not unmindful of the enormous responsibility this inauguration places on our shoulders as a branch of an interdenominational non-governmental body that has undertaken to promote peace, unity and development of the communities we live in. That is why today’s event is serving the dual-purpose of marking our formal take-off, as well as providing a veritable platform for invited respected mothers, women of virtue and resource persons, to brainstorm and generate ideas on how to uplift the womenfolk and the society.
“In line with the vision of the founding mother of LISAIM, we are committed to the enhancement of the well-being of the girl-child and the empowerment of the female gender generally in our communities.
“As we get ready to be inaugurated, we pledge our unalloyed allegiance to the leadership of the organisation, assuring that we see today’s ceremony as a call to service, and will do our best to live up to your expectations,” she promised.
Among other dignitaries honoured at the event is Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kelvin Nwaoha; Hon. Amb. Stella Akaigwe; Hon. Amb. Ashara Maureen; Amb. Mrs. Chinwe Nwune {SGK shipping}; Eze Tony Anosike {Ezeogbuotobo of Onigbongbo, Lagos}; Chief Modupe Aregbesola; and Eze G. I. Okafor {Chairman, Winco Foam}.
Others are Otunba Kehinde Adeola Oleyede {Executive Chairman, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government}; Hon. Wale Adelana; Chief {Mrs.} Modupe Islamiy Badmus Aregbe {Vice Chairman, Oshodi/Isolo L.G.A}; Hon. Yusuf Adesanya; Prince Adekunle Adewale Kehinde; and Chief Michael Okereke Udochia.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
