Day Diezani, Zainab Maina, others got inducted into hall of fame

In recognition of the important role of women in the society, 17 women were recently inducted into this year’s class of MMS Plus’ Woman of the Fortune Hall of Fame. The women among whom were two serving ministers, were dubbed women of substance. This event, which took place in Lagos was organised by Kings Communications Limited, Publishers of MMS Plus Magazine, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The award, the second in the series had Ambassador Kema Chikwe as the chairperson of the governing council of MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame. Among the recipients were Mrs. Diezani Allison- Madueke, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources; Hajiya Zainab Maina, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development and Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo. Last year also, 17 women including First Lady of Cross River State, Obioma-Liyel Imoke, Dr Kema Chikwe, former Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa; Former Director General, NIMASA, Mrs. Mfon Usoro among others were honoured. MMS Plus’ Women of Fortune Hall of Fame is a conscious assemblage of role models who are embodiment of creativity, hard work, professionalism and integrity to help build capacity in different sectors of the economy. The theme of this year’s induction ceremony into the hall of fame is “Appreciating the strength in womanhood,” which is a reflection of the importance and relevance of the female folk in the society. “This is one fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has elevated to a position of the national priority by the 35 per cent affirmative action on appointive and elective positions for women in his administration,” said Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, Chief Executive Officer of Kings Communication. He said the president had set an unprecedented record, ably engineered by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. He also noted that the idea of women being builders and good value proponents had it roots in the Holy Bible. “The Ministry of Jesus Christ on earth was essentially made successful by women. As change agents, women who had and still have opportunities in both political and economical positions have given us the reason to believe that they could make better leaders and managers, aside from running homes, if given opportunity.” Mr. Anaroke however regretted the mentorship gap among women, saying that only a few women did mentorship in their cocoons and associations. “How many of the elected or appointed women have a mentorship programme to groom the younger generation of women to drive their vision? This is one challenge before the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs” Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun recognised the complexity of the role of women in the society. He said: “You can’t really define the role of women in the society. Women have veritable element of existence to mankind. Women have proven to be very dependable to sustain every passage of life even in difficult situation. It is high time we expected to see women governors come on board to help contribute to the country’s development. Women are less corrupt.” The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, through her representative, Mrs. Mary Isong, applauded women in their role in nation building and urged the Federal government to allow women to be part of national developing. Also, in his goodwill message, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar acknowledged women as strong, mothers, professionals, yet they contributed their quotas to the society