The Sisters Forum and a coalition of women from the different ethnic groups in Lagos, gathered today to declare in unison that the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akinwunmi Ambode, is the one to become the next Executive Governor of the state. They said this through their Executive Director, Mrs. Chinyere Anokwuru, at a Grand rally for the endorsement of the candidacy of Ambode and his running mate, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule.
In her welcome speech, Mrs. Anokwuru said their decision to endorse Mr. Ambode was based on their assessment of his competence and experience.
“The emergence of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Lagos state ended our worries about who could match Governor Fashola’s achievements. A look into his manifesto revealed that he had sufficient relief-oriented programmes for women. The welfare and economic empowerment of women is uppermost in his heart amongst many others.”
She added, “Mr. Ambode’s credentials are excellent. His pedigree is spotless. He is the new face of leadership, transparency and competence. His intellectual and professional depth has put him on a pedestal that is higher than those of the other candidates”.
While regrading to Ambode as “our incoming Governor”, she stated that the antecedents of the Lagos governorship hopeful show that he is endowed with uncommon foresight and matchless expertise.
“All of these makes us come into a conclusion that the only way we could continue to enjoy the best of the city of aquatic splendour was by voting for the continuity of excellence, which is what Mr. Ambode represents. He is the only person qualified, experienced, tested and trusted, and matured enough to be the number one citizen of Lagos state.
Mrs. Anokwuru then stressed that the entire women of the Sisters Forum and the women of the various ethnic groups in Lagos state have adopted as well as endorse the candidacy of Ambode as the next executive Governor of the state.
She added that their support and endorsement definitely transcends also towards his running mate Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule.
Ambode expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support he received from the large number of women, and in his typical way, rocked the women to “sweet mother” and “Chineke idinma” songs.
In his speech to accept their endorsement, Ambode spoke fondly of his great mother, whose care and strength have made him learn how to respect and identify with the role of women as being extremely critical to nation building. He promised to uphold that role by promoting policies that protect their rights and pride.
“I Pam overwhelmed with joy as I have never seen such a large gathering of women on a Sunday afternoon, showing support for a cause they believe in. I thank you. Irecognize you our women as a pivotal force for progress and valuable instruments of change in any society poised for success. Our government shall treasure your role in the society we look to build”.
Ambode stated that he doesn’t subscribe to the notion of assigning a particular percentage to the participation of women either in governance or in politics. “I believe that there are women who are as qualified as men, so, I am committed to giving equal opportunity to all, where competence and not discrimination, is the watch word. The focus of our government will be the achievement of a Lagos that works for all”, he stated
He added, “your rights shall be respected and I will stand for you all”.
Prayers were offered to ensure his victory at the polls and safety throughout the campaign period.
The Sisters Forum is a dynamic non-governmental organization (N.G.O) that is driving positive socio-economic change across the nation through advocacy, outreach and empowerment. They seek to address the challenges that confront women and girls.