Ruth Semilore
The second outdoor edition of Eve’s Lounge, a women-focused advocacy programme on Crest 91.1FM, took center stage in Ibadan, Oyo State, with a bold theme – “Breaking Barriers Together.” The event brought together changemakers from diverse sectors to address persistent inequalities and explore practical solutions for building a more inclusive society.
Featuring two deeply engaging panel sessions, the event opened with media personalities and thought leaders like broadcaster Ronke Giwa, Rev. Father Francis Afolabi OSJ, Fisayo Oke, and communications expert Gwendolyn Osoniyi, who dissected gender stereotypes and the role of women in shaping healthier communities.
Panelist Gwendolyn Osoniyi, speaking on redefining gender narratives, challenged women to believe in their own strength.
“I want to see women believing in themselves… ending their role in propagating hatred. We’re the ones telling other women they can’t. Let’s stop that myth that boys are better and girls should be weak. It starts with self-discovery and awareness.”
READ ALSO:LATE Former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Forbids Wife From Remarrying In His WILL
Another panelist, Fisayo Oke, described women as powerful beings whose strength remains underappreciated in many spheres.
“Women are powerful. Once they recognise that, they become unstoppable.”
Rev. Father Francis Afolabi emphasized the importance of teaching men to embrace positive masculinity, noting that men, too, must learn that vulnerability is not a weakness.
“It is okay for men to be vulnerable and seek help when they need it—this is healthier than becoming a menace to society. The narrative must change.”
In the second panel session, the conversation shifted to the role of policy and local financing in sustaining gender advocacy. Panelists included Dr. Chris Udo, a security expert; Rev. Dr. Adenike Victor-Tade, 2023 YPP senatorial candidate; and Mr. Samson Akindele, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at Fresh FM Nigeria. Together, they emphasized the need for institutional frameworks, responsive legislation, and increased local investment to address the structural limitations faced by women.
They highlighted that while grassroots activism remains vital, impactful progress depends on embedding gender equity in policy and budgetary priorities at all levels.
The Guest Speaker, Prince Adetayo Adeleke-Adedoyin, Head of Special Projects at the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, underscored the need to build positive masculinity from an early age.
“Women need to understand the kind of beings they are. The black woman can give birth to all races—that’s power. We must also reframe what our children are exposed to, using tools like media, religion, and education to instill values early.”
Convener and host of Eve’s Lounge, Damilola Amoo, described the event’s theme as a call to collective responsibility.
“We asked ourselves: when we empower women and girls with information, what impact does it make? Why are women still victims of domestic violence and ritual killings? It’s time we used that same value they see in women for destruction to rebuild society.”
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief Operating Officer of Cresthills Media, Adeolu Gboyega, represented by the Head of Station, Olaide Abioye, reaffirmed the station’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and amplifying their voices.
“Our commitment at Crest 91.1FM is to amplify the voices of women in all sectors of society. We believe women are central to driving sustainable growth and building resilient communities.”
Meanwhile, Eve’s Lounge airs every Wednesday at 6 PM on Crest 91.1FM and continues to serve as a platform for championing women’s stories, tackling injustice, and fostering transformational conversations across generations.
