Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, has emphasized the place of women in the society and the need to address the issue of increasing domestic violence against women during the August meeting of Imo State Town Development Association, held at the National Stadium, Lagos State.
Arabinrin Akeredolu while speaking on the theme " Impact of Domestic Violence on Family" appealed to husbands not to maltreat their wives.
Her words: "Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive violation of human rights in the world, one of the least prosecuted crimes and one of the greatest threat to lasting peace and development in our society.
"The effect of violence can remain with women and children for a life time and can pass from one generation to another. Don't see your wife as a piece of furniture. The take-home message is that our wives should be honoured. "
The First Lady who recounted how she crossed the Niger in pursuit of love, affirmed that indeed, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has remained a great husband and wonderful in – law to Igbo communities. She was later presented with the Award of "Okaranba Nwerudu1 of Imo State".
In his speech, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked the leadership of SouthWest States and appreciated the peaceful co-existence that Igbo communities have enjoyed.
While stressing that the SouthWestern States have been very accommodating, he appealed to all Igbos to go and register and participate in their villages' development as he is ready to provide support for the building of Imo house.
Earlier in her speech, the President of the women wing, Chief Mrs Lilian Amakor, while thanking everyone for gracing the occasion, noted that the event was the first of its kind as it had in attendance all members across the SouthWest.
Chief Amakor who further observed that the essence of the meeting was to thank God for His blessings also called for continued support towards all its plans and projects. Noting that women play a major role in the society, she emphasized the place of education in the society and urged mothers to begin to build the values of education in their children.
Her words: "Before now, Imo State was classified as educationally advantaged, that was in the past. But now, our mothers play important role in defining the future of their children, thus, our women must begin to emphasize the importance of education to their children, thereby securing their future".
