From L-R: The Secretary, NUJ, Mr. Mike Abang, former chapter President, Rev. Grace Ekanem, Chairman, President NCWS, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Marjorie Asuquo, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey and others.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The President of the Cross River State Chapter of the National Council for Women Society (NCWS), Rt. Hon. Mrs. Marjorie Asuquo, has stressed the urgent need for women’s voices in politics.
As women across the globe celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day, with this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonating strongly with advocates for gender equality, she said “Women want equality, development, peace, and inclusiveness”.
Mrs. Asuquo who stated this during a media briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, on Thursday, stressed that women constitute 50% of the world’s population and should therefore have equal representation in political spheres hence, “Women should be allowed to come into politics.”
Expanding on the importance of empowering the next generation, Mrs. Asuquo noted, “The girl child is part of us because one day they will grow up to be women.”
She praised the efforts of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, saying, “All the strides our dear Governor has recorded are because of the strength of the beautiful supporting of women he has.”
On the ongoing Natasha saga, Mrs. Asuquo refrained from commenting further, stating, “As the matter is still in court, NCWS will not comment on the issue, hoping Natasha will emerge stronger at the end.”
In her remarks, Comrade Archibong Bassey, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River Council also spoke at the event, expressing solidarity among women.
Bassey who is the first woman to hold the position as NUJ Chairman in the state, said, “We are delighted to have you here today,” she said adding, “as we celebrate women, I want to encourage that we must not give up the fight; we must protect our rights. When we see a sister falling, let’s offer our hands, and that will make her stronger.”
Others NCWS EXCO members who joined in the briefing include the former chapter President, Rev. Mrs. Grace Ekanem.