From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
As the world celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme, “Inspire Inclusion”, Mrs Florence Mutkut has has advised women to get education and skills as the tools for making them relevant.
Mrs Mutkut, who is the wife of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigeria Army Sokoto and chairperson of Army Officers Wive’s Association (NAOWA) of the Division, appreciated the pivotal role women play in taking care of the home front.
Addressing participants to mark the day, the GOC’s wife said officers’ wives should be commended for the resilience, strenght and the needed supports they provide while their husbands serve the country.
She said: “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible contributions women make to our society, our families and our armed forces. I bring you greetings from our Angelic Amazon, the President NAOWA, Mrs Maria Lagbaja on this special day.
”I want to use this opportunity to commend our amiable NAOWA and NASWA members for your untiring efforts in raising the children, taking care of the home front and maintaining the excellent and peaceful coexistence in Giginya Barracks.
‘”As the Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, 8 Division Chapter, I am honored to lead such a remarkable group of women who demonstrate strength, resilience and unwavering support each day.”
Reflecting on how challenging it could be as officers wives, Mrs Mutkut said: “Our journey as military spouses is not without its challenges but it is our collective determination and unity that sustains us through every trial and triumph”.
“Today, as we celebrate the achievements and progress of women worldwide, let us also reflect on the pivotal role we play within the military community. We are the backbone of our families, providing love, mental and physical support for stability while our loved ones serve our nation with courage and dedication”.
According to her, this means officers’ wives embody the spirit of resilience and service, standing with their husbands to uphold the values of honor, duty, sacrifices and ensuring that the enviable legacies of the armed forces endures for generations to come.
She further submitted that women should be the value change agents the society needs to stabilize institutions politically and otherwise. The GOC’s wife said they would continue to advocate for gender equality, access to education and opportunities for women to thrive in all aspects of society.
Presenting a paper on, “Empower Women, Inspire Inclusion, Equality for every Woman Everywhere’ Diverse Women, United Voice” Dr Nabila Bako of the Department of History, Sokoto State University said women are full cycle, hence their capacity to multi-task at all time.
On her part, Dr Hafsah Olatunji of the Department of Economics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto observed that women do not celebrate themselves which is why inclusion is difficult.
She also urged women to strive for equally opportunity by showcasing the confidence in themselves, challenge stereotypes and celebrate their achievements.
“Women are excellent leader and decision makers who should not wait for international days before celebrating themselves. Rather, do that on daily basis,” Dr. Olatunji advised.
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