Ooni wants more outstanding women recognised

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for recognition of more women who have made outstanding contributions to national development.

He made the call during the Queen Moremi Musical Appreciation Dinner hosted by Dr Abiola Dosumu, Erelu Kuti, IV of Lagos, on Sunday night in Lagos.

“We should celebrate our women who have performed exceedingly well because they are very powerful.

“We should find ways to honour our mothers who have demonstrated might in moving the nation forward,” he said.

According to him, many Nigerian women have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour.

“We must begin to acknowledge the impact of women in our society.

“It is a fact that without Moremi, we (Yoruba) would not have been were we are today.

“There would have never been the Yoruba Kingdom without her because, it was after the conquest of Moremi, that confidence returned.

“Behind any sucesful man, you must find a woman who is actually making things happen for the man, there are notable personalities out there,” he said.

He described Dosumu as one of the women who had made tremendous efforts to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.

He promised that his palace, in conjunction with Dosumu, would dedicate a day annually to celebrate some outstanding Nigerian women.

Earlier, Dosumu thanked Ogunwusi for the advocacy.

“We need personalities such as our royal father, Oba Ogunwusi, who has consistently encouraged women involved in boosting the nation’s heritage and tourism,” she said.

According to her, legendary Yoruba Queen Moremi Ajasoro was a gift to womanhood, Yorubaland and the entire country because of her bravity and commitment.

She called on Nigerian women to rise up to societal expectations and contribute their quotas to nation-building as Moremi did.

Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, Global Ambassador to Queen Moremi Ajasoro, and Founder of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London, said that promotion of culture was key to boosting tourism.

“We remain grateful to His Imperial Majesty and some others for their support for touching lives of young girls,” she said.

The cultural promoter said that Africa Fashion Week, Queen Moremi Beauty Contest and some other cultural programmes had been able to promote culture among the youth.