By Rahma Jimoh
Nigeria’s Lion Club District A3 after a keenly contested election has produced a woman as district governor for the second time concurrently to pilot its affairs in the club’s new calendar which began July 6th this year.
Dr. Folashade Shotomide, takes over from the first woman district governor, Ln. Toyosi Ololade who was in charge of the club’s elms of affairs until June 30th this year.
LN Dr. Shotomide, a teacher, in an exclusive interview said she doesn’t feel any different emerging as the new district governor.
“I’ve been a Lion for 20 years; I’ve been in this organisation, and I have availed myself of training and development. I have prepared myself for the new role I will be playing.”
Dr Shotomide emphasised that it is an honour and opportunity she is well prepared for to lead the organisation and contribute to her nation, Nigeria.
Dr Shotomide, who had previously contested for the club’s leadership role and lost, said she faced opposition and doubts from people, but she decided to stand for election again.
‘I am looking forward to the challenge of being a female leader. When I initially stepped into politics, I faced opposition and doubts from people. I was not well-known, and some questioned my capability.
“After losing my first election in 2021, I made the decision to stand for election again if the opportunity arose.
“When I ran for office the second time, I encountered resistance, with some insisting that a man should be the candidate. Despite the challenges, winning the election has been both painful and rewarding,” she recounted.
According to Dr. Shotomide, her goals for the calendar year will focus on giving more women opportunities.
“It is high time young girls and women stop feeling inferior to their male counterparts.
“I like to produce people like myself; in my cabinet, I have more women, and I train and ensure that women are well represented,” she stated.
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