By: Esther Okoi
The Wife of the State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Edet Otu has described her investiture as the Patron of State Chapter of the National Council for Women Societies as a call to more service in her determination to advance women's empowerment and build a more just and equitable society.
Rev. Otu who stated this during the inauguration of the State EXCO and her Investiture ceremony at the Women Development Centre, Parliamentary Village, mentioned that “the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) mission aligns closely with my vision for women in Cross River State.”
Continuing, she said “your work in advocating for gender equality and women empowerment is commendable,” while informing women that their voices matters and their potentials are boundless. Rev. Otu hinted that the dreams of young women and girls are valid and achievable, adding, “let this recognition be a testament and encouragement to what can be accomplished with integrity and resilience.”
The Governor’s Wife urged the new EXCO members to see their offices as an avenue to serve and not for title or show but to do it in honour and integrity, adding that they should all think Cross River and collectively achieve more for the State.
Also speaking, the President, National Council for Women Societies, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau hinted that the Cross River State Chapter as one of the strongest, appreciating the State Government for empowering and supporting women in the State and for ensuring that the NCWS achieves its aims and objectives.
Hajiya Lau who described Rev. Eyoanwan Otu as an extraordinary woman and an exceptional leader, expressed confidence in her ability as the State Patron to reposition the NCWS. She appealed to the Governor’s wife to make reactivate the NCWS and make it active across the 18 LGAs of the State.
According to her, at the “NCWS, we acknowledge and celebrate your remarkable achievements through your pet projects – the Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative. This initiative covers humanitarian services across various sectors. Your deep concern for children, women and people with disability is highly recommended.”
In a welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edema Irom informed that the NCWS is the oldest women movement in Nigeria that gave birth to the Ministry of Women Affairs at the National the States. She told the women to note that irrespective of whatever organizations they belong to, they are members of NCWS, urging the elected EXCO members to see their positions as tools for serving and not an intimidation tool.
Giving an acceptance speech on behalf of the newly inaugurated EXVO members, the President, NCWS, Cross River State Chapter, Hon. Majorie Asuquo expressed elation at the opportunity to serve, promising that the EXCO members will serve within the confines of the constitution of the society as well as the under the authority of the State Patron.
In a goodwill message, the life member NCWS, Rev. Grace Ekanem inferred that the inauguration of the EXCO and the investiture of the Governor’s wife will redirect women organizations in the State. She stated that Cross River State is the first apart from Abuja to have a Women Development Centre adding that the State is lucky to have Governors that are women friendly and supportive.
On their part, the National Assistant Secretary II, Dr. Helen Mboto averred that though tribe and tongue may differ, Cross river State will stand in love and unity for therein lies the strength to achieve greater, enjoining the EXCO members to allow love lead them and support each other to strive and be better.
The meeting had in attendance the former Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo Ita; Wife of the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem; female political leaders and many women organizations.
