The APC Professional Women Council UK Zone recently organized a vibrant event to commemorate International Women’s Day, in a bid to promote inclusivity and empowerment in Nigerian politics. Themed “Inspire Inclusion,” the event aimed to create a conducive environment for women to thrive in various fields.
The event featured distinguished speakers and panelists who addressed various topics, including financial wisdom for women, encouraging entrepreneurship, discussing the glass ceiling, and raising emotionally resilient children. Through engaging talks and insightful discussions, the event highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all women can thrive.
The event commenced with an array of insightful talks and goodwill messages. Toks Olunloyo, the Coordinator of the APC Professional Women Council UK Zone, delivered a compelling speech on finance, parenting, self-development, and leadership. Mrs. Susan Jegumah, the APC Woman Leader, and Honorable Tunde Doherty, Chairman of the APC UK Interim Committee, also delivered encouraging messages, emphasizing the importance of women’s inclusion in society.
Hon. Tunde Doherty commended Toks Olunloyo for her outstanding work, stating, “You have made us proud. We have identified some of the challenges we have in the party, especially concerning the diaspora. We must challenge ourselves to have a coordinated voice.” He encouraged unity among women, stating that with unity, they can break the glass ceiling.
Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, the Founder of the APC Professional Women Council, shared the council’s journey and mission, highlighting their efforts in providing palliatives for women in need, amplifying women’s voices, and creating a supportive environment for women to rise together.
One of the special guests of honor, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, spoke about the low representation of women in Nigerian politics, noting that only 5.6 percent of the Nigerian Senate and 6.5 percent of the House of Representatives are women. She urged women to gear up for increased representation in Nigerian politics.
During a panel discussion, Councillor Sade Sobanjo-Etti provided valuable insights into politics from a UK perspective, while Toks Olunloyo shared her thoughts on women’s participation in politics, offering a unique perspective.
Her Excellency Mrs. Asia Ahmad El-Rufai delivered a powerful keynote address, urging society to break barriers and stereotypes that limit women’s inclusion and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of raising children in an inclusive environment.
The event also saw the inauguration of the APC Professional Women Council UK Zone’s newly updated executive team: Coordinator – Mrs Toks Omowunmi Olunloyo; Deputy coordinator/ Head, Media and Publicity – Mrs Bolaji Odunuga; Youth Leader – Mrs Obiageli Stella Ngoesina; Head, Contact and Mobilization – Mrs Yetunde Awolesi; Head, Training & Empowerment – Dr Yemisi Akindele; Head, Finance & Sponsorship – Mrs Kudirat Olowosale; State Coordinator London – Mrs Gbemisola Ademola; State Coordinator South England – Councillor Sade Sobanjo Etti; State Coordinator North England – Mrs Oluranti Omobola Ogunmulele.
APC Professionals, which is currently under the leadership of Director General Hon Seyi Bamigbade, is made up of various professional bodies with the objective of providing platforms for political participation in Nigeria as a nation.
