First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
The wife of the Governor and First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, has, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, touched the lives of women and thousands of others in Ikom Local Government Area (LGA) of the state through the provision of various incentives and supports for livelihood.
Bishop Eyoanwan who was ably represented by the Executive Chairman of Ikom LGA, Hon. Mercy Nsor, urged women to rise against gender-related limitations to create a niche for themselves and contribute their quota to the building and development of the nation.
Hon. Nsor in a press release from the office of her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, stated this as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “Accelerate Actions”, a date set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the incredible achievements and progress of women as well as to encourage the Female Child in optimizing their potential.
The Executive Chairman, who delivered her goodwill/felicitation message, as well as that of the First Lady, further admonished women to continually strive for better options, make adequate use of all positions in the cycle of leadership, and imbibe values that will keep them in an advantageous position for recognition.
In her words, “It’s an opportunity to celebrate women again and recognize our immense potential and contributions to the nation’s building”.
She said, “since the Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 and the subsequent Independence of our great Nation, many women have risen not in competition with the male gender but to create a legacy that has placed the nation on the global map.
“I therefore, on behalf of the First Lady and wife of our amiable Governor, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, charge you all to be resilient and dedicated to courses in every field where you find yourself for greater impact and development”.
Nsor applauded the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for being gender sensitive and for lending his voice to the emancipation of women in the state.
“To our mother, Leader, First Lady, and mediator, on behalf of the good people of Ikom LGA, we are delighted to extend our warmest felicitations to you.
“You have been a beacon of hope and Inspiration to women and girls across our dear state, your tireless efforts in promoting Women’s Empowerment, Education, and Healthcare are truly commendable. Your selfless service to Humanity has made a significant impact on the lives of many, and we are grateful for your leadership. Ikom Women are proud of you.
“As we celebrate this day, we acknowledge the progress made towards achieving Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of Women and Girls is a shining example of the transformative power of Women’s Leadership.”
Highlights of the event were capacity building and training exercises for women across the 11 Wards of Ikom LGA, Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building, Free Medical Outreach Massive Empowerment for women, Distribution of Wrappers and Palliatives, Financial Assistance to the less privileged, single mothers, physically challenged and others.
