Most countries not progressing for refusing to assign leadership roles to women – MOUAU VC

Most countries not progressing for refusing to assign leadership roles to women – MOUAU VC

By Steve Oko

The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Professor Maduebibisi Offor Iwe, has said that the reason most countries are not making progress, is because of their refusal to assign leadership roles to women.

Professor Iwe who made the assertion during the International Women’s Day celebration held Tuesday by the university’s women, called for recognition of women’s enormous potentials and their proper harnessing for the good of society.

“Most nations lack progress in key sectors of their economy because they have not been intensional in giving women the necessary attention, support and encouragement to manifest their full potential”, he regretted.

The VC who is surrounded by female Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics); female DVC (Administration); and female Registrar, attested that “women are so endowed to perform optimally even when engaged in multiple roles”.

Professor Iwe noted that achieving a balance between work, family and social life, had become more challenging in view of the economic realities.

” Many women struggle to juggle professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and social well being often leading to stress, burnout and declining health condition. This is why we must accelerated action in promoting work-family-social life balance”, he said.

He further posited that a balanced life is not a luxury but a necessity for productivity, happiness and overall well-being.

The VC advised women to recognize the importance of social connections and harmonious living as they contribute to the emotional strength and personal growth of all.

He pledged continued support of the university management under his watch, for the university women in acrualising their projects.

The VC commended MOUAUWA for its commitment to the cause of women in the university host communities, the girl-child and the university community at large.

Delivering a keynote speech, the DVC Academics, Professor Nneoma Obasi, advised women to consciously give attention to themselves so as to be fit and discharge their enormous tasks both in the family and workplace.

She said that multiple tasks discharged by women exert undue pressure on them, hence they need to be deliberate in their well-being to avoid stress-induced premature death.

” You must take care of yourself because if you die, your husband will take another wife, your children will have a step mother, but your siblings will lose their sister”, she warned.

The DVC also urged women to be conscious of their diet, and to strike a balance between work and family lives.

” Beware of stress. When children collapse they get up after few minutes but at our age, it usually results into ‘one minute silence’.”

Professor Obasi further argued that “men cannot bear half of the stress women often pass through”, hence they need to assist their wives to make things easy for them.

“You need househelp. If anybody says you don’t, let him help in washing the plates and keeping the house”, she told women.

The DVC, however, admonished women never to drag headship with their husband even if they were the breadwinner of the family.

Such needles muscle-flexing, according to her, could scatter the family.

” Don’t struggle for headship with your husband even if he has nothing doing. You saw him before agreeing to marry him. If you had a better offer, you wouldn’t have married him, so, he should command your loyalty”.

She further advised women to create time for their husband and children, and to avoid putting pressure on their husband’s pocket.

Earlier in her address, the President of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Women Association, MOUAUWA, and the Vice-Chancellor’s wife, Dr Mrs Nkechinyere Iwe, said women needed encouragement to be able to successfully discharge their multidimensional roles.

She said:”Women play multiple roles in society as professionals, caregivers, leaders, community builders. Many struggle to balance career demands, family responsibilities and personal well-being.

” So, there is need to create supportive environment where women do not have to choose success at workplace and fulfilment at home”.

The VC’s wife gave this year’s sub-theme for the IWD celebration as:”Accelerate Action in Promoting Work-Family-Social Life Balance for Women”.

Mrs Iwe who said that women in the university had always identified and executed a people-oriented project in the institution, solicited support for their building project.

She explained that they decided to mark the IWD on a convenient date to enable them actualise the project which she expressed optimism, would be inaugurated during their August meeting.

Speaking also, the Chairman, Project and Programme Committee of MOUAUWA, Professor Marble Onwuka,  described this year’s women’s day celebration as the best so far in the university considering the quality of programmes packed for the outing.

She said said it was the first time the university women were empowering female students of the university for self reliance.

Professor Onwuka also noted that MOUAUWA sponsored a student of the university who produced packs of reusable sanitary pads which were distributed during the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event and the Managing Director, MOUAU Microfinance Bank, Dr Bashir Ogungbangbe, said women are great assets of inestimable value that should ever be cherished and encouraged.

” In time of need, the only person you can see around you is your wife; others may dessert you but a good wife does not”, he declared.

The celebration featured conferment of award of excellence in serving to some deserving personalities including the university female Registrar, Dr Nkeiruka Mbanasor; Professor Ahiaoma Ibegwam, among others.

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

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