The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Olujide Adekeye, has posited that investing in women is not just about being able to beat poverty and inequality, but building stronger institutions, economies, and communities.

He made this assertion during his remarks at this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), anchored by the Covenant University Faculty Women Advance (CU-FWA), on the 8th of March, 2024.

The annual event, he said, is celebrated as a platform to assess progress made in the inquiry for change, to advocate for the end of discrimination against women, and to commend acts of determination and courage by every woman and girl who has significantly impacted their countries.

He expressed delight that Covenant University through the Faculty Women Advance, is connecting with the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day. He added that despite the change in the yearly theme based on prevailing global issues and movements, the goal remains the same, which is to promote gender equality and empower women in all spheres of life. He noted that the day is also to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Professor Adekeye stated that as a gender-sensitive and responsive world-class university, Covenant identifies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG5). He concluded that investing in women is a smart move and investing in girls by catching them young is smarter.

The Keynote Speaker for the event, Dr. Chinenye Ndawi Jerry-Amah, the CEO Mum 2 Mum Empowerment Foundation, advised women to invest in their personal development, as it is a huge part of the daily routines of successful women.

Lending her voice to women, she stated that whatever you give a woman she multiplies it and gives it back to you, women, she said, are awesome, splendid, and one of God's masterpieces. She explained that working towards something, first means you have to work on yourself and challenge yourself.

According to her, “Learning is an ongoing process. A woman should never stop searching for knowledge in all the different areas of life. Learning is a part of living and growing. If you’re not willing to improve your skills, how are you going to reach what you’re after? How are you going to accelerate growth?”

Dr. Chinenye highlighted that the financially savvy woman takes responsibility for knowing her finances inside and out, has a budget, sticks to it, makes her financial well-being a priority and sets financial goals. She further stated that one loses focus and accelerated growth when one chooses not to invest in themselves or quits halfway.

Giving her remarks at the event, the President, Covenant University Faculty Women Advance (CU-FWA), Professor Anthonia Adeniji, elucidated that the International Women's Day, is a day that holds a lot of significance for women across the globe, hence, it is a privilege to witness the occasion, and be part of the vision that aims to empower women and accelerate progress.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Adeniji said she is reminded of a dream she had, where she saw countless women marching forward, catalyzing accelerated progress in the world. Analyzing this year's International Women's Day theme; ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,’ the president said she is confident that the event will surpass all expectations through collective voices and presence.

She added that from inception, through the pages of history and to the present moment, women have been an integral part of important assets in organizations in both developed and developing nations.

She posited that women represent a vital asset that should be cherished both locally and internationally. She said this year’s International Women's Day, presents an extraordinary opportunity for women worldwide to rise, not as adversaries of men but as partners and successors of men. She submitted that the global occasion amplifies the collective voices of women, and enlightens the world about their challenges, worth, and the undeniable dividends that investment in women brings for accelerated progress.