By Mary Bassey And Able Winnard
The Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril James Omini, has disbursed N15 million to 150 women in his constituency to bolster their small-scale businesses.
Addressing his constituents at the ceremony held at the Council guest house in Ugep, Yakurr LGA, Hon. Omini said the empowerment is in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day and to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to transforming the socio-economic status of women of his constituency amid the trending global economic challenges.
The Lawmaker who is presently the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for women to excel in their chosen fields, stressing that women’s empowerment is pivotal in addressing various societal challenges and fostering self-reliance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly in empowering women and youths to alleviate poverty and enhance living standards and overall well-being of his constituents, in line with the ‘People First’ mantra of the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Hon. Omini charged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely and take advantage of other business training and mentorship, offered by his office.
Mrs. Rosemary Eko who spoke on behalf of other women thanked the lawmaker for prioritizing the welfare of his constituents and assured him of their steadfast support now and in the future.
Similarly, female students at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) gathered at the school on Saturday, March 9, 2024, for the International Women’s Leadership Walk, a symbolic event aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles on campus and outside the campus.
The Women Leadership Walk was in partnership with the Gender and Development Action (GADA) and was led by Theresa Theodore Eja, the Vice President of the Students Union Government (SUG), and the female students’ leadership in the school who ensured female students in the campus participated.
The walk kicked off from the school gate to the ETF block in the varsity and ended at the New Cafe where the students were addressed by student leaders.
Research Assistant, Youth Advocate of Gender and Development Action (GADA) Isaac Udoh in his pep talk expressed happiness with the partnership; stating it is to ensure female students are empowered and seen in the political realms, and high positions among others.
“Our program accommodates volunteers and mentees and through the SUG Vice President we were able to reach out to your school as we all know the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. That means we are ready to include women in the sphere of leadership.
