ASABA/Nigeria: Organisations, under the aegis of Credible Civic Space Actors in Delta State, a coalition comprising Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) has extended their congratulations to Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu for her successful inauguration as a representative of Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA). In a press statement released on Saturday, June 24, 2023, the coalition hailed Anyafulu as a globally renowned gender activist and recognized her exceptional contributions in the Nigeria and global civic space.
The Credible Civic Space Actors expressed their hopes for Hon. Anyafulu’s fruitful tenure as a lawmaker and urged her to achieve unprecedented accomplishments during her four years in office. They emphasized her instrumental role in deepening the civic space and highlighted her various leadership positions, including her role as the Founder and Executive Director of the International Centre for Women Empowerment & Child Development (ICWECD), established in 2004. The ICWECD focuses on promoting women’s and children’s rights, supporting the development of families, and empowering underprivileged citizens in Delta State, Nigeria, and worldwide.
Describing Anyafulu as a seasoned legal practitioner, globally acclaimed development worker, and gender activist, the coalition leaders expressed confidence that her wealth of experience would contribute significantly to her legislative functions, making her an exceptional lawmaker. They further highlighted her past roles in the administration of the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, including serving as the former Senior Special Assistant on Child Rights Advocacy, Executive Assistant on Special Duties, and pioneer Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs & Community Support Services.
The coalition leaders called upon Anyafulu to make a notable difference in the state assembly and elevate Oshimili South among Delta State’s 25 local government areas. They encouraged her to advocate for a vibrant, inclusive, free, secure, open, and safe environment, free from intimidation, reprehension, and harassment.
Additionally, the leaders extended their congratulations to the Speaker of the 8th DTHA, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and all members of the state house of assembly on their successful inauguration.
The press statement, jointly signed by Comrade Bieni Victor Emenike, Founder/Executive Director of Delta Cultural Initiative (DCI-Worldwide), and Pastor Elvis Ekiah, Founder/Executive Director of the Shield Development Foundation, conveyed their congratulations to Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu and wished her continued success during her tenure.
The statement also outlined the coalition’s demands and recommendations for the new Government, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire members of the Delta State House of Assembly. These include supporting citizen-centered policies that enhance governance effectiveness and responsiveness, establishing Civil Society Desks in all 25 local government areas and governmental arms, and enacting bills for the establishment of a Directorate and Board of CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs in the state. Furthermore, they called for legislation to promote inclusiveness and strengthen the participation of Civic Space Actors in governance decision-making processes. They also proposed a bill to mandate Civic Space Actors to monitor and evaluate government projects in all sectors and prioritize civic space concerns in the state budget in alignment with the United Nations Open Government Partnership models.
Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, hailing from Umudaike Village, Ogbomanta Quarters, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta, is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Amnesty International (AI), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and several international organizations. She holds LL.M and LL.B degrees in Law from the University of Lagos and the University of Benin, respectively.
The press statement concluded with the signatures of various prominent individuals, including Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, Dr. Andrew Agboro, Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike, Dr. Martins Kediehon, Pastor Elvis Ekiah, Ambassador Uyero Erarawewho Jnr, Hon. Prince Philip Chukwuedo Igwenwanne, Pastor Fransisca Davis, Dr. Chief Mrs. Kadiri E., Chief Mrs. Mercy Awhana, Mr. Emeka Nwokocha, Dr. Godreignings I. Ojuneme, Pst. Mrs. Joy Tobele, and Smart Jikeme.
