ASABA/Nigeria: The need for a more concerted effort in addressing issues affecting women has been emphasized.
The state chairman Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Comrade Patricia Gbemudu stated this during a two day programme to celebrate the 2018 International Women’s day in Asaba and Warri.
Speaking after a rally to mark the day in Asaba, Comrade Gbemudu said women were critical to the development of any nation, and everyone including parents, the Media, Civil Society Groups, Government and non Governmental Organisations had roles to play in securing the future of women in Nigeria.
She said in reaching out to the female gender, Delta NAWOJ under her administration, established Frith club in Secondary Schools, with more still on the way, to divert the attention of students from vices, embarked on sensitization visits to community leaders and students in rural and urban areas, as well as organised “Delta Must Be Clean” and “Know Your Genotype” Campaigns.
Celebrating the event at Warri, Comrade Gbemudu lauded the State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for ensuring that women received 60% of the state’s micro credit loan, and 80% of the loan got to the rural populace.
Comrade Gbemudu commended the Patron of Delta NAWOJ, Dr. Omawumi Urhobo for her consistent efforts at empowering women, adding however that the theme for the year, “Press for Progress”, was a reminder to all stakeholders, of the need to do more.
The Patron Delta NAWOJ and President Morgan Smart Foundation, Dr. Omawumi Urhobo said that the various State Laws including Female Genital Mutilation, Violence Against Women Acts, Domestication of Child Rights Acts, among others, were indications that Nigeria has made progress in the fight for equity for women.
Dr. Urhobo who used the occasion to sponsor twenty women in a three month skill acquisition programme worth 600,000 naira, reiterated the importance of synergy in addressing areas where women are disadvantaged.
The Omu of Anioma, Obi Martha Dunkwu attributed the vices among the youths to the failure of motherhood, noting that the future of humanity is in the hands of women.
Obi Dunkwu described Education as the key that opens every door, and advised women, rather than struggle for equality with men, to find their purpose in creation and actualise it.
There were also messages from representatives of the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Rev. Omatsola Williams, the Provost, College of Education Warri, Professor Mary Edema, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, among others.
The event celebrated in collaboration with various groups, featured medical screening, eye test, bazaars, exhibition fair, lectures, among others.
