Women in leadership positions have been charged to use their positions to advocate for change, promote ethical leadership, and inspire the next generation of women to rise above the challenges they face in a world dominated by patriarchal structures.
Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, gave this charge in a speech delivered as the chairperson at the change of insignia and installation of Mrs. Mubarakat Abiola Agusto-Agoro as the President of the 25th national president of Soroptimist International Nigeria Association (SINA).
Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organisation for women who inspire actions that transform lives and are also committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual goals.
(Left to right) Immediate Past President, SINA, Gloria Iveren Bai; Prince Femi Tejuoso, newly installed President, Abiola Agusto-Agoro, and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, at the installation ceremony of Abiola Agusto-Agoro as the 25 National President, Soroptimist International Nigeria Association (SINA).
The chairperson in her speech titled “Empowering women for ethical leadership: A call to action, at the event held at MUSON Centre, Lagos, stated that it is imperative that women leaders take a stand against injustices, and not succumb to the temptation to emulate band and corrupt practices often associated with men in positions of authority, especially those holding political powers.
“Instead, let us lead by example, with integrity and honesty, showing the world that women are capable of ethical leadership. We must highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance in all aspects,” she said.
The former Lagos State deputy governor decried occurrences where some women have been entrusted with positions of power and have been disappointed by succumbing to the culture of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, Adding that they must change this narrative, balance firmness with compassion, harness the power of motherhood for nation building, and break stereotypes through innovative leadership.
She congratulated the new leadership of SINA and commended members for their good works despite the obvious challenges of undertaking tasks of fundraising, advocacy, and empowerment.
Olori Ameenah Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, who represented her husband at the occasion congratulated the new president and saluted the selflessness of the association towards the wellbeing of women and girls.
To achieve more, she urged members to join hands with the new executives, be more committed, and shun bickering. Additionally, she noted that though it is a male-dominated society, women’s current effort to break barriers must sustained by passing the baton to the next generation.
In her speech, Agusto-Agoro, the newly installed president noted that having witnessed first-hand the sufferings especially of girls and women since COVID in 2020, this has given her great concern regarding their well-being. “We cannot be silent; we must stand up and do something to alleviate their suffering,” she stressed.
She then pledged to uphold the principles of Soroptimism by advancing women’s status through high ethical standards, human rights for all, equality, development, and peace.
Earlier in her speech, she paid tribute to her successor, adding that it is a thing of joy to hand over to someone who will surely be capable of taking the association to the next level.
