Surulere Barrister Emerges Soroptimist International 21st National President
Nigeria’s arm of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, the Soroptimist International of Nigeria (SINA), last Sunday installed its 21st National President at the Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Installation/Change of Insignia event witnessed the handing over of office from the outgoing/immediate past president, Soroptimist Bona Okigbo-Udebiuwa to the SI Surulere product, Barrister Mrs Nneka Chris Asoluka, the first ever Soroptimist from the Surulere Club to mount the stable.
The event which had political economist and management expert, Professor Pat Utomi as special guest speaker also paraded notable personalities like former interior minister, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Mr. Stanley Amuche, Nnamdi Obi and Chief Goddy Uwazurike, among others. Chairman of the occasion was Mr. Ken Orji ably supported by husband of the 21st National President, Dr. Chris Asoluka, and Dr. Okparaugo Udebiuwa among other dignitaries.
In her acceptance speech, SI President Asoluka said she felt honoured and proud that members of this great association have voted her worthy to lead the association for the next two years. She commended IPP Soroptimist Bona Okibo Udebiuwa, and thanked her “for your dedication to service, diligence and thoroughness with which you stayed on top of all issues.”
Speaking on the organisation, the new President said SI is a global international volunteer movement working to transform the lives of women and girls worldwide.
“Through our network of over 80,000 club members in 133 countries and territories, we have earned the prestigious consultative status at the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations which oversees all UN activities and policies in promoting human rights. This status in the UN gives us a seat to lend our voice to important discussions and allows us attend discussions on status of women in New York in March of every year.”
Their activities, she said, cuts across the local and international levels to achieve their tripartite goals to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
