Women’s Day: NAS advocates women’s rights, empowers Female Students in Ondo
The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Ekiti and Ondo Chapter, El Paso SSO Deck, in collaboration with the Longhorn Deck, Dallas, Texas, USA, joined the global community to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, calling on women to pursue their rights in society.
Addressing students of Breeders College, Oke-Ogba, Akure, during a school hall meeting on Friday, organized by the association to commemorate the day, the NAS El Paso Deck President, Hon. Abiodun Olaniyi, admonished the female students to be confident, focused, and determined in pursuing their goals without fear.
He stated that the association’s choice of the school was aimed at demonstrating a fatherly role to the students and empowering them with knowledge about their ability to drive change, regardless of their gender. He emphasized that NAS was founded to provide selfless and humanitarian services to society, one of which is the celebration and empowerment of women.
Also speaking, the Zonal Vice President of the Association, Dr. Ojumu Damilola, affirmed that a society cannot thrive without women’s active participation in driving social change. He encouraged women not to see themselves as inferior citizens but to contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
He emphasized that women deserve equal rights as provided in the constitution and should never be subjugated or sidelined in decision-making processes.
His words:
“Our association is an advocacy group dedicated to driving social change and improving our society. We recognize that the government alone cannot solve all our challenges, so we identify societal issues and take proactive steps to address them.
“Our association has been at the forefront of change, with about 69 branches worldwide.
“A society cannot thrive without women—they are the backbone of our communities. Men are not superior to women; God created us as equals. Women deserve protection, respect, and all the rights granted by the constitution.
“I urge women to know their rights, stand firm, and actively participate in politics. Your voice matters, and your contributions are essential for a better society.”
Similarly, the Vice President 2, Mr. Eyitemi Egbi, advocated for justice for the girl child, which was the primary reason for engaging with the students. He urged young women to be well-behaved and confident, reminding them that they have the power to contribute to societal development.
While addressing the students on “The Rights of a Girl Child,” the Guest Speaker, Barrister Akerele Oluwayemisi, urged them to remain focused as she educated them on their constitutional rights, which include:
• Right to Freedom and Safety
• Right to Equal Opportunities
• Right to Good Healthcare
• Right to Education
• Protection from Early Child Marriage
She further encouraged the students to be confident and bold in standing up for their rights.
The event also featured donation of a Projector by the Association to the school and cash gifts to the best students in SSS 1, SSS 2, and SSS 3, respectively.
• The best student in SSS 1, Adeniji Emmanuella, received a cash prize of ₦10,000.
• Okolo Felicita, a student of SSS 2, received ₦20,000.
• Eze Peace, an SSS 3 student, received ₦30,000.
Receiving the gifts on behalf of the school management, the Head Administrator, Mr. Maduako Sunday, appreciated the association for its kind gesture and commitment to empowering young women.
