A group of women under the aegis ‘Stand Up for Women Society’, SWS, has called for increased participation of women in the forthcoming elections across the country.
The National President of the group, Deborah Ojadele-Adetona made the call at the inauguration of the Cross River State chapter of the association in Calabar, the capital city.
Ojadele-Adetona, who said the association was established as a rights protection group for women across the country, remarked that women should be given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of Nigeria.
She stated, “we urge women to wake up to the clarion call to build capacity and take up leadership positions in the country and end the trend of women being viewed as weaker vessels and unfit to attain certain heights in society.”
Fulfill objectives
The National President urged the inaugurated state executive of SWS in Cross River to fulfill the objectives of the association by ensuring that women were liberated from challenges such as unemployment, lack of vocational skills and violence.
She urged governments at the local, state and federal levels to ensure the rights are protected as well as provide a level playing ground for more women to participate in politics come 2023.
“We commission you the executive of the Cross River State chapter to do all in your power to protect the rights of women and girls. I also use this medium to call on the three tiers of government to provide a level playing field that would encourage more women to participate in politics.
“We commend the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade for appointing more women into various political offices and making it possible for more women to be elected as chairmen and councilors of local government councils. We are appealing for more opportunities as the 2023 general election approaches,” she stated.
Women support
In a remark, the Cross River Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, who is also accorded the title of State Matron of SWS, encouraged women to support the growth of others when opportunities abound.
Odey-Ekpo lauded Governor Ayade for creating an enabling platform for women to thrive in Cross River and promised to support the newly inaugurated executive.
Also, the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Tina Agbor advised the women to remain focused and determined to achieve its mandate despite challenges.
The Chairperson of the newly inaugurated chapter, Umo Bassey-Edet described the event as the beginning of an era for women including the vulnerable.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of He-for-She Ambassador award to the Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Cocoa, Dr. Oscar Ofuka.
Dominica Nwabufo
