BENIN CITY – The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Outstanding Women Leadership Committee yesterday embarked on an advocacy visit to the Bendel Newspaper, Company Limited, publishers of the OBSERVER titles to sensitize management on its upcoming Women Leadership Award.
Speaking on the need for the award which comes up November this year, the chairwoman of the Committee and Director at LAPO, Jane Osagie said that, apart from alleviating poverty in society through empowerment of the poor and vulnerable through credit and non -credit facilities, LAPO through the award seeks to honour women who have made enormous strides in their chosen endeavours, profession, public and business spheres.
With the award, she avowed that the recognition of people, especially women for their contributions and exceptional service delivery is aimed at delivering a strong message to everyone that hardwork, creativity and exceptional services pay.
She stated that nominees for the award are Nigerians above 30 years old who may not have been honoured previously.
Nominees, she said, must be selected, nominated and screened by the committee.
Such individuals, according to her, would be honoured at a grand ceremony in order to build a pool of mentors who influence society and encourage future generation of women to achieve their true potentials.
The Executive Director, LAPO, Mrs. Sabina Osehobo, on her part, maintained that LAPO works to empower women financially, a step beyond mere rhetorics of verbal attempt at solving equality and gender issues.
When empowered, she noted that such women end up making strong decisions and contribute meaningfully to the financial and socio-economic empowerment of their families.
The award, she said, is a deliberate recognition of the contributions of women whose efforts are mostly consumed by society.
Sabina Osehobo said the award is a tribute to millions of women who daily struggle to keep their families, and society.
“This is why awardees are women who in their own way have touched lives in their capacity as petty traders or as professionals,” she said.
The Acting General Manager of BNCL, in his remarks, acceded to their request for media collaboration.
He noted that cordial relationship had always existed between LAPO and BNCL.
Rev. Aigbe applauded the award, describing it as, not just targeted at correcting gender inequality, but also single out market women for recognition.
He assured the committee of publicity before, during and after the award ceremony.