By Magnus Effiong
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has lauded Governors’ wives for their efforts in promoting national unity thereby driving development.
The Monarch said this when the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum (NGSF), an umbrella body for wives of the country’s 36 First Ladies, paid him a courtesy call in Calabar, Friday.
He emphasized that women deserved greater opportunities in leadership, noting that competence should take precedence over gender or tradition.
“Thank you for using your forum to promote national unity. We are looking forward to a day that our country would produce female governors, and probably, women presidents.
“We should begin to set aside old barriers that prevent women from sitting where men sit. When it comes to politics, give them every right. It is the quality of the person that matters, not their gender or religion.
“The best administrators, in many cases, are women, I’m sorry to say this, but it’s the truth. We must give them room to perform to the glory of God. Here in Cross River, we don’t joke with our women. They have every right in the family and in society,” he stated.
The revered monarch also commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for supporting his wife’s active participation in public advocacy.
He said: “Some leaders do not allow their wives to step out or take part in such gatherings, but it’s heartwarming to see that all of you are together for a common cause. I welcome you again and wish you a happy stay in Calabar.”
Earlier, the Governors’ spouses had called for sustained support for gender equality, public health advocacy, and women’s empowerment across all levels of governance.
Chairperson of the Forum and First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, had commended the Obong and his wife, Her Eminence Queen Ansa Ekpo Abasi Otu, for their hospitality and enduring support for women-led initiatives.
“Your Eminence, we thank you for opening your doors to us. You are not only a traditional ruler but also a treaty king and grand patriarch of the Efik Eburutu Kingdom. We deeply appreciate the warmth and solidarity shown by your Queen and the Cross River Traditional Council,” AbdulRazaq said.
She highlighted that the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum was founded in June 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic through an initiative known as Nigerian Governors’ Wives Against Gender-Based Violence (NGWA-GBV).
The forum, she said, had since expanded its focus to include issues such as drug abuse prevention, cancer awareness, nutrition, women and youth empowerment, child education, and climate change advocacy.
The NGSF Chairperson further appealed to the Obong to lend his voice to the ongoing advocacy for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to guarantee women’s representation in legislative and executive positions.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, expressed appreciation to the Obong for his warm reception.
“Your Eminence, thank you so much for receiving us in your palace. You have shown once again that you are a father indeed. It is such a privilege to have you honour us today,” she said.
She noted that the presence of first ladies from across the country in Calabar underlined the unity of purpose among governors’ spouses toward improving the lives of women and children nationwide.
