Alaafin to Support Women Empowerment Initiatives — Queen

Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, the wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, has expressed her husband’s commitment to promoting and supporting initiatives that empower women economically, build their self-esteem, boost confidence, and enable them to realize their full potential.

Speaking on the importance of women in nation-building, Ayaba Abiwumi called on the three tiers of government to create an enabling environment for women, particularly in rural areas, and to intensify awareness campaigns that would encourage meaningful participation in the nation’s development for a brighter and more stable future.

In her address to women in Oyo, she assured that Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, her husband, is fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at improving women’s economic empowerment.

Ayaba Owoade highlighted that women have demonstrated significant creativity and resourcefulness in finding solutions to challenges at both the household and community levels. These efforts, she said, create a conducive environment for democracy and democratic governance to flourish.

“As women, we are a dynamic force for change. Our roles in society as mothers, caretakers, and societal builders are indispensable,” she noted.

She pointed out that women make up about 55 million of Nigeria’s population, which is roughly 140 million, emphasizing that empowering women directly empowers the nation. “There is no culture, whether in the East or West, where women are not the primary builders of homes. As homebuilders, we are nation builders.”

Ayaba Owoade continued, noting that women are endowed with a special ability to adapt and protect their families from harm. “A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. To build a happy home, a woman plays a crucial role, and it takes wisdom to do so.”

She further counseled women to show unconditional love to their husbands and children in order to build strong, happy homes. “A woman’s love should not depend on what she receives from her husband or whether things are perfect. She should be available to her husband and fulfill her duties without reservations,” she said.

While acknowledging that women share comparable qualities and strengths with men, Ayaba Owoade reminded women that God’s design for marriage involves wives submitting to their husbands. She stressed the importance of women as nurturers and educators of children, teaching them godly values.

“A good wife is a trusted confidant and a wise counselor to her husband,” she added, emphasizing the role of women as wise helpers in their households.

Ayaba Owoade also urged women to exercise restraint in their actions and words, especially in challenging situations. “Even if you are the one paying all the bills, control your temper when provoked. You cannot treat your household members poorly and expect to gain their respect or trust,” she advised.

She concluded by reminding women of their sacred responsibilities to nurture their families with wisdom and love, urging them to uphold their roles as key contributors to the stability and progress of their homes and society.