Women in Kogi State have been admonished to develop their learning and academic skills so as to build their stamina and confidence in the pursuit of gender issues.

The National Chairperson of Women in Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (WASUSS), Comrade Ranti Gbenle Oluwemimo, gave the admonition during the union’s annual conference and award presentation day, tagged ‘Kogi 2021’ held in Lokoja.

According to the Chairperson, who was grateful to God for enabling the union impact positively in the society, and for using great women activists in Nigeria like; Queen Amina and Funmilayo Kuti who started the fight and contributions for the rights of women, noted that the time had come for women all over the world to brace up to the challenges ahead of them, knowing that with dedication and commitment, they can succeed.

Comrade Oluwemimo called on the women all over the world to work with unity by using their gender as their strength in achieving their goals and aspirations.

Also in his speech, the national President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools(ASUSS), Comrade Omaji Samuel Oyigocho, expressed the need for a girl child to be educated on on her rights and privileges on time to avoid and deal with the contemporary challenges that bedevil her.

The Guest speaker and lecturer of the occasion, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, the Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), while speaking on the topic; Stress and Health Management- A post covid strategy for Academic excellence, expressed the need for teachers to take good care of themselves health-wise, so they can give quality teachings to students.
According to Ms Agbogun, a lot of effects that come up as a result of stress like poor dressing habits, poor concentration, temper problems and withdrawal from social activities can be avoided if stress is properly managed.

Awards were presented to women who have distinguished themselves in their various fields and for their excellent contributions to WASUSS and the lives of women in the State.

Among whom were; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike, the Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Odion, the Chairman, Science and Technical Education and Teaching Service Commission (STESCOM), Hon. Mrs Cecilia Enezoza Cook and Comrade Bishop Olaoye Marylance.

Other Dignitaries present in the occasion were the representative of the Kogi State Nigerian women of Journalists( NAWOJ), Female Principals of Schools, State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour, Lokoja, Mrs. Olugbami and Comrade Fausat Shuaib, National Chairperson Trade Union Commission.

  Kogi State, WASUSS, Women in Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools