By Ebun Sessou

AS the exciting moment returns for the Continental Women Conference and enterprising beauty pageant, Face of Trek Africa, FOTA  for the 2018 edition; former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, First Lady of Lagos State and Founder, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, HOFOWEM, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and her Kebbi State counterpart, Dr. Zainab Bagudu and Founder, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, have been billed to deliver keynote addresses on Sunday July 22.

Position in governance

With the theme: The African Woman, Her imprint on Governance and Health, the convener of FOTA, Mr. Oki Samson in a press statement disclosed   that the theme was chosen to challenge the feminine gender to take her rightful position in governance and healthcare of motherland, Africa.

Samson noted that just like the late Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela,

Margaret Ekpo, Joyce Banda and Mariam Makeba; the giant strides of African women in modern history is worthy of note as the everyday woman on the street, in market, and household has continued to make bold imprints on the sands of time.

He explained that an African woman is daily faced with enormous challenges on her path to success including high maternal mortality rate especially in Nigeria, according to reports by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

He added that it is an established fact that there are fewer women in corporate and political positions than men. Thus, this initiative will offer a podium for a robust discussion on the theme by the eminent guest speakers which will be hosted by celebrity On air personalities – Simi Drey of Beat Fm and KBaba Love Doctor of Wazobia Fm.

He said the three speakers were chosen based on their impressive leadership track records, intellectual sagacity and wealth of experience in healthcare management and women empowerment, adding that Ambode and Bagudu are leading voices among state governors’ wives who have been championing the cause of girl-child education in Nigeria in order for them to live up their dreams.