13 May 2024 IWD: NLRC DG Hails Women’s Resilience, Tasks on Impactful Upskilling

2024 IWD: NLRC DG Hails Women’s Resilience, Tasks on Impactful Upskilling

The Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, recently lauded the resilience of women, urging all female staff of the Commission to embrace impactful upskilling in order to be relevant in the 21st century.

Addressing attendees at the International Women’s Day (IWD) commemoration held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Gbajabiamila was joined by esteemed speaker, namely, Mrs. Rekiya Atta, an Activist and Nollywood actress, and Mrs Olayemi Ajayi, the Director, Legal Services Department, NLRC alongside members of the NLRC Management Team, in celebrating the women within the Commission’s workforce.

DG NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila (OON) addressing staff during the International Women’s Day (IWD) commemoration held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja

The DG praised the remarkable achievements of women throughout history whilst emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the world. He highlighted the ongoing struggle for women’s inclusion and urged attendees to persevere in their self-development endeavours within the modern workspace.

“I know that women’s inclusion is still a struggle, but we will get there soon enough. I encourage you all to keep pushing; press on for self-developmental endeavours, especially within the demands of 21st-century workspace”, Gbajabiamila said.

He further advised attendees to support each other towards being the change they hope to see, stressing that continuous self-investment and a focus-driven individual and collective disposition is surely effective in the quest for a robust inclusion.

In her speech, Mrs. Rekiya Atta, a former staff of the Commission, acknowledged Mr. Gbajabiamila’s support and underscored the importance of women recognizing and appreciating the efforts of supportive men. She emphasized the need for women to contribute meaningfully in all spheres, citing the theme of the 2024 IWD: ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

During the event, Mrs. Atta shared personal experiences and stressed the significance of intentional empowerment and continuous relevance in building a prosperous community for future generations.

DG NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila (OON) presenting a prize to a staff during the International Women’s Day (IWD) commemoration held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja

Echoing these sentiments, Mrs. Olayemi Ajayi, NLRC’s Director of Legal Services, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in inspiring women’s inclusion and societal development. She underscored the importance of proactive steps when staff encounter challenges with leadership, encouraging all to seek guidance with HR where needed, stating that it is imperative for someone else to step in if one person is unable to fulfill their duties.

A cross-section of staff during the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 commemoration held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja

The event concluded with a lucky dip activity facilitated by the Commission’s Welfare Unit, followed by expressions of appreciation from attendees for the Commission’s support and the insightful messages shared by the speakers.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Raphael Oraeluno, the NLRC’s Director of Human Resources and Management, called on the Federal Government to invest conscientiously in women, emphasizing the need for sustained support to harness their innate capacities.

The occasion concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Ebele Nwokoye, Head of the NLRC Welfare Unit, marking a celebration of women’s empowerment and advocacy for continued progress within the NLRC and beyond.

By Nnenna Onwudiwe