As part of activities to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has honoured six women for their contributions to economic development and growth in the country. 
 
The six women were honoured at the 10th LAPO’s Outstanding Women Leadership Award (LOWLA) at the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration in Benin City with the theme, ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, with the #Breaking Societal Bias Against Women.’
 
The honourees, who were drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country are Mary Ike-Chukwu, South-South; Nwanta Nwakaego, South East; Martina Onah, North Central; Hajia Amina Mohammed, North West; Olamide Akinnayajo, South West and Hassan Haladu, North East.    
   
This year honourees brought the total numbers of women so far honoured and rewarded by the organisation in the areas of business, professional and agriculture (farming) to 33.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of LAPO, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said the theme of the celebration envisioned a gender equal world devoid of bias, stereotypes and discrimination against women.
 
Ehigiamusoe, said LOWLA, which was initiated in 2013, was a commitment to women empowerment, honours and celebration of their achievements in business, farming and professional careers with sustainable social impact.
 
“The award reinforces the positive image of women in Nigeria and helps in reducing the influence of negative attitudes and practices that discriminate against and exclude women in all facets of life.

“As a development organisation, LAPO is passionate about women as well as committed to their overall development. LAPO, as a pro-poor and women-focused organisation had supported the realisation of women’s rights, socio-economic empowerment and the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against them through policy advocacy, health and social intervention programmes,” he said. 
 
He said each of the women were given N300,000 cash prize and plaques. 

In his remarks, Chairman, Board of Directors, LAPO, Dr. Osaren Emokpae, said that parity in education, access to resources and life transforming opportunities are yet to be achieved in Nigeria, where gender disparity is tilted in favour of men.
 
Osaren also noted that women’s access to paid employment is still very low when compared with the men in all sectors including agriculture.