By Alicia Johnson
…Empowering Women for Societal Transformation and Development
Calabar, Cross River State – The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria, recently convened its 23rd Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs in Calabar, Cross River State. The event, held under the theme ‘Gender Equality: Bridging The Social Inclusion Gaps For Economic Development In Nigeria,’ brought together women, dignitaries, partners, and guests from various states and organisations NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighted the significance of the technical session of the Council meeting, spanning three days. This session serves as a platform for the submission of relevant policies and programmes for Council considerations. Udoh emphasised the strategic focus of the session on accelerating actions that promote girl-child education, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion. She encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and contribute their expertise.
During the NEC meeting, a total of 175 memoranda were presented, covering a range of critical topics such as gender-based streaming, women’s empowerment, protection and promotion of reproductive health and sexual life of women, social inclusion, protection and promotion of child’s rights, and social protection of the vulnerable. These submissions originated from 31 States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other ministries.
Representing Cross River state, His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu, expressed his commitment to supporting structures, programmes, and policies aimed at empowering women in the state. He underscored the pivotal role women play in his administration’s “PEOPLE FIRST” mandate. The event also featured the newly inaugurated Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Ohaneye, who reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to an inclusive government. Ohaneye pledged to tirelessly advocate for the interests of women.
The four-day meeting, which took place from August 21st to August 24th, 2023, was hosted at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC). Notable attendees included the First Lady of Cross River state, represented by her special adviser, Dr. Mrs. Comfort Oko, and the wife of the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State. The event also welcomed Commissioners of Women Affairs, delegates from the 36 states, the Mariam Babaginda National Centre for Women Development, representatives from USAID, UN, and UNICEF, members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other dignitaries.
The 23rd National Council Meeting on Women Affairs in Calabar highlighted the collective commitment towards promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and economic development across Nigeria. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change for women and the entire society.
Alicia Johnson reports from Calabar, Nigeria
