By Elizabeth Ikegima
The John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) organized its first celebration of the annual International Women’s Day with the theme, “Inspire Inclusion: Empowering Women in public service through inclusive leadership,” focusing on women’s involvement in political leadership. The event was held on Friday, 8th March 2024, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy 1, Okada Avenue, Benin City. The conference had the presence of many prominent figures from across Edo state and beyond, including Mrs Betsy Obaseki, the Edo state governor’s wife, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr John Iyoha, and others.
The event, supported by the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, German Cooperation, Inspire, UNICAF, GIZ, Checkers Custard, and many more, had participants from all walks of life, including local market women. Mr Emmanuel Erasogie Eguae and Miss Sharon Obahor skillfully facilitated the event.
The observation of the Nigerian National Anthem and the Edo State Anthem was followed by the welcome address by Dr Precious Imuwahen, the pioneer Director of JOOPSA and the event host. She extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed her gratitude to Mrs Betsy Obaseki for gracing the occasion, emphasizing that the event is a call to envision a future, not just a celebration.
Following the welcome address was a video documentary presented by Dr Eseso I Oseghale, focusing on the contributions of Nigerian women who are making a significant impact on Nigeria and the world.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Betsy Obaseki appreciated JOOPSA for hosting such a significant event and recognized and appreciated local market women for attending, emphasizing the need for women to build competence and capacity. She stated, “I will never appoint the wrong people to positions. We must always give our best.” She added, “Acquire knowledge, get training, go to school.”
In the first session, Prof Yinka Omorogbe emphasized the importance of inclusion, including people living with disabilities, and stressed the need for women’s inclusion in governance, stating that empowering women is a smart thing.
During a panel session moderated by Ibeanusi Kate Ijeoma, the panelists discussed inspire inclusion, focusing on involving everybody and acknowledging everyone’s contributions. The session provided an in-depth and engaging discussion, allowing participants to ask questions.
As the event concluded, participants were divided into groups for sessions on Personal Financial Management, Self-Care Practices, Mental Health, and Personal Development, with notable speakers including Mr John Iyoha and Engr Odion, contributing to making the event truly remarkable.
In an interview with Mr John Iyoha, he expressed delight in the idea of women’s inclusion, stating, “It is important that the conversation is happening, and with conversations like this comes a greater need for work in the sectors that we are trying to inspire inclusion.”
In another interview with Dr Precious Imuwahen, the pioneer Director-General of JOOPSA, she expressed her excitement after hosting the first IWD celebration at JOOPSA in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, stating, “This is the first time that the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy would be celebrating International Women’s Day, and what we are particularly excited about is the fact that we have taken on a topic so dear to my heart, which is female leadership.” She added that organizing the event was challenging but will leave a lasting impact on women, concluding by giving special appreciation to Her Excellency Mrs Betsy Obaseki for gracing the occasion.
“I will never appoint the wrong people to positions.” Mrs Obaseki advises at the International Women’s Day celebration at JOOPSA.
