The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Group, has called for the continued recognition of the achievements of women to societal development.

Dr Osarenren Emokpae, Chairman, Board of Directors, LAPO, made the call during the 9th edition of the organisation’s Outstanding Women Leadership Award held in Benin.

Emokpae said women had continued to enhance the progress and wellbeing of human society in spite of various cultural and traditional beliefs that had impinged on their human rights over the years.

He said women had also proven over time that they possess the quality, talent and character required to be nation builders.

The chairman expressed optimism that in due course, women in Nigeria would have more representation in public life just like Rwanda, Cuba and Bolivia where there were more women in parliament than the men.

He commended the winners of the 2021 LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award for their hard work and commitment which had earned them the recognition.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Director of LAPO Group, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said the LAPO award for outstanding women in Leadership was instituted to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD).

“The award is to honour women who have demonstrated commitment in making the world a better place.

“The award is a demonstration of the commitment of LAPO to the socio-economic empowerment of women in Nigeria”.

Ehigiamusoe said the organisation was passionate about the overall development of women through bringing gender issues to wider attention and recognition of women’s contributions to the advancement of the country.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of Edo,  Honourable Justice Esther Edigin in her address, said women leaders and women’s organisations had demonstrated their skills and networks to effectively lead in Covid 19 response and recovery efforts.

She said all women wanted was a chance to excel so they could continue to contribute their quota to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three awardees were honoured with the LAPO Outstanding Women Leadership Award during the event.

They are  Mrs  Joke Adesina in the Farming category, Christiana Ebitimi in the Business category and Felicia Babalola in the professional category.