2025 IWD

 C'RIVER FIRST LADY CALLS FOR ACCELERATED ACTION TOWARDS WOMEN INCLUSIVITY, GENDER EQUITY.
By: Rekpene Uket.

As Cross River State women join the global community to celebrate 2025 International Women Day, Her Excellency, wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Bish. Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu who was ably represented by the Special Adviser to the wife of Governor on Administration, Dr. Comfort Oko has called on women to accelerate action towards ensuring more women inclusiveness in governance and other decision -making positions, eradication of gender inequality as well as gender -based violence.

Unveiling the theme for the year 2025 which is " Accelerate Action" the  First Lady tasks women to be more deliberate in their actions towards breaking down systemic barriers that have held back progress of women globally, urging women to take decisive steps towards creating a positive change by raising awareness about gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion in recognition of the unique perspectives and dynamic contributions of women in all walks of life.

Bish. Dr. Eyoanwan Otu maintained that to achieve a meaningful change on the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which includes; Armed conflicts, poverty, education, health, violence, economy, decision -making, human rights, media, environment, girl child and institutional mechanism, a strong support system of Leaders and institutions are required.

The First Lady emphasized that come 2027 General Elections, Cross River State is poised to be a model for women inclusion in politics and decision -making  that other states will emulate. On that note, she wished the women a happy celebration.

Speaking earlier in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom welcomed the women and appreciated them for turning out en masse for the event.

 Hon. Irom also commended His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear wife for women inclusion in appointive positions while expressing hopes that we will get it right come 2027 in elective positions.

The  Commissioner also stated that the event is tagged: State- wide Flag -off of 2025 Int'l Women Day meaning, the celebration has just begun and that the action will be accelerated  to the rural communities where women would be empowered in agriculture and other businesses, on that note, she wished the women a joyous celebration.

Highpoint  of the event was the presentation of Goodwill Messages, Pep Talks, Sporting Activities such as; match past, sack race, Egg race, thug of war, cultural display as well as women  empowerment.

Other dignitaries present at the event include; the Commissioner for Social welfare and Community Development, Bish. Dr. Margaret Ene-Ita, wife of the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs Nelly Elvert Ayambem, Member representing Yakurr 11 at the State House, Hon. Dr. Mercy Akpama, Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director Business Development, NEXIM Bank and Former APC Women Leader who empowered the women to the tune of Five million Naira, Mrs Aisha Aminu from Katsina State Enterprise Development, The Director General, women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture , Weyinmi  Eribo, The Team Lead , Director  General, MEDA, Cross River State, Mr. Great Ogban, Dr. Peter Bassey who spoke on mental health as well as Dr. Mrs Rita Eteng, Permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Women Affairs amongst others.