C’RIVER IWD 2024…AND IT ENDED IN PRAISE

By Rekepne Uket.
The week-long activities in commemoration of 2024 international women’s day celebration in Cross River State which began with Jumat service at Calabar Central Mosque on 1st March, 2024. Ended in praise with a Christian thanksgiving service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddle Parish on Sunday 10th March,2024. 
Cross River State Women from all works of life as well as non-indigens residents in the state came in their numbers led by the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom to appreciate God for his faithfulness in their lives as women as well His manifold blessings upon the lives of their beloved husbands and Children. 
The Women were also grateful for the gift of a governor who has the interest of women and the vulnerable population at heart. They prayed for more wisdom and grace upon Sen. Prince Bassey Out and his dear wife.
Other activities carried out within the week included a Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs in which the Hon Commissioner unveiled the IWD Theme for 2024 As “Inspire Inclusion: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”.
Hon. Irom Called for more inclusion of women in policy making as well as empowerment in other fields of endeavours. They also had community engagement in the 18 Local Government Areas as well as Distribution of Dignity Kits to refugees Community in Akamkpa.
The week also featured a one million Women Match which began from Don Mario to the Women Development Centre at Parliamentary Extension, which was followed by a stakeholder meeting/ launching of the orphans and Vulnerable Children/Gender-based violence situation room established by Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria (CCCRN) in Collaboration with USAID.
High point of the week’s activities was the first lady’s interactive session with Cross River State Women in which the First Lady, Rev. Eyoanywan Otu lauded the strength and resilience of women in all spheres of life.  
The interactive session also featured Arts and Agricultural Exhibitions by the women as well as empowerment of the women by Her Excellency, Wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State.
We also had a novelty football match at U.J. Esuene Stadium between Team Ma’Adiaha Vs Prince Otu’s Angels which ended in 2:0 in favour of Team Ma’Adiaha.
Women in their respective interviews appreciated the efforts of the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs for bringing the various women groups together including non-governmental organisations, implementing partners as well as civil society organisations to have a joint celebration which was all inclusive irrespective of religions or ethnic barriers. The Women Sued for more collaboration in up-coming events.