By Isiaka Babatunde

The wife of the Kwara state governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed, has described women as invaluable contributors to societal development, pledging that her office would leave no stone unturned to protect women against any form of violence.
Mrs. Ahmed made this known on Thursday while speaking at this year International Women’s Day organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) women wing, Kwara state chapter, held at the state NLC hall beside High Court, Ilorin.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by the Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Sara Adebayo, said the role of women in nation-building cannot be overemphasized adding that the earlier the society attaches utmost importance to the women the better for us as a nation.
“Violence against women should come to an end. My pet project, LEAH Charity Foundation is working round the clock to give hope to the hopeless and other related empowerments that will better the lives of women and children” Mrs Ahmed said.
She advised mothers to attach utmost priority to the upkeep of their children saying that most of moral decadence that is common among children today can be largely attributed to the negligence of some parents.
According to her, ethics and values have faded in our society. “The hitherto role of our parents have now been taken away by social life and the high level of dual roles, which obviously hamper parents of today from having adequate time for their issues.
In his address at the function, the state Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dabarako, called for reorientation and attitudinal change if we actually want to move the nation forward.
Dabarako said a salary increase is not the solution to workers’ problem but the establishment of industries across the country.
“Why can’t we change our baton? Nigeria will be better if we are ready to change the system in operation that seems not helpful,” the HOS said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the acting Chairperson of the state NLC women wing, Hajia Asmau S Apalando, said the programme was organised to mark this year International Women’s Day .
Apalando while describing women as salt of life called on government at all levels to give women a good representation in the scheme of things so as to collectively move the country forward.
Highlight of the programme was the rally staged by the women around GRA area shortly before the commencement of the programme.