From Rowland ‘Shuwa, Ilorin
A new book, focusing on women has thrown up debate on whether women are the same or not.
Written by Mike Adeyemi, the book; Women are the Same ‘analyses the behaviours, the mindsets, the lifestyle and the thinking apt of an average woman in relation to the linear judgment of a man.’
In his welcome address at the launching and public presentation of the book which held at Radio Kwara Mandate Hall, Police road, GRA, Ilorin, the chairman of Pen Society, Jimoh Bashir thanked the gathering for honouring the invitation to the tripartite program; public presentation of Women are the Same, award presentation and official inauguration of the Society.
He noted that rather than lament the poor reading culture of the country, the Society is geared to provide solutions to it. “Pen Society is an association of seasoned journalists who are not only out to write books that add value to the society but also to raise the reading culture of our teeming youths.”
Throwing the first salvo at the program, the reviewer of the book, Dr. Biodun Oyeleye told the gathering, “I cannot say whether his assertion is true or not, because looking at the faces of the women present at this occasion alone, they surely do not look alike, not to talk of the fact that my wife at home is much different from Mrs. Adeyemi, wife of the author. So how are women the same?”
Dr. Oyeleye, who was represented by Mr. Kofi Appiah noted that the title is emphatic, assertive and daring, and leaves one without an option to reflect. He therefore, warned the author to get ready for a battle from the womenfolk over the title of the book.
While reiterating the age long call not to judge a book by its cover, he however assured the gathering that the book does not focus on the foibles of the womenfolk.
Aligning with the author, the Program Officer of International Women Communication Center (IWCC), Mrs. Mojoyinola Adewuyi agreed that, “every woman is actually the same as they have the same desire to be loved and appreciated.”
Adewuyi, who represented Dr. Limota Goroso Giwa, the Chairperson of the occasion, stressed that women are a rare gift to mankind and must be appreciated and respected. She used the opportunity to speak on the efforts IWCC is making in ensuring that women get their deserved place of honour in the society.
Picking up the gauntlet however, the former Secretary of Offa Descendents Union (ODU), Hajia Atinuke Macarthy emphatically rejected the idea that women are the same.
Macarthy, who was the Mother of the Day at the event stressed that for a woman to be called a ‘helpmeet’ by God then she must be a very strong pillar of support for the menfolk. “A woman is endowed with such sterling qualities hence the reason why she should not be treated as thrash but given equal opportunities.”
According to her, women cannot be the same for so many reasons like environment, religion, equal opportunities, acceptability of challenges when they present themselves, genetic make-up and in-built endowment.
She concluded by asserting that, “Women are perfect in all aspect of appearance and the most beautiful gift of God but endowed with different qualities.”
Calling a truce in the debate, foremost journalist and Defense Correspondent of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Muhammed Abdulkadir opined that though women are not the same genetically and otherwise but, “they are a jinx breaker, strong and capable of doing great exploits. In this they are the same.”
Legal luminary and philanthropist, Yusuf Ali (SAN) recieved an award for his contributions to the literary genre and for supporting the first book project of the author, ten years ago. He was represented at the ocassion by Yakub Dauda.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries both within and outside the state. Including the Director of Football, ABS FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka; the General Manger, Radio Kwara, Alhaji Adebowale Adedeji; the Publisher of Moonlight Newspaper, Alhaji Toyin Olokoba; Secretary of Kwara United, Mallam Ibrahim Bako.
Others were the representative of the Oloro of Oro, Prince Ajiboye Adebola Taofeek; representative of the Etsu Patigi, Alh. Idris Ahmed the Makun of Patigi; CEO, Ladorb Peace Initiative, Alhaji Umar Balogun; the Accountant of Kamwire, Elder S.T. Adeyemi and a host of others.
