By Godwin Otang and Sylvia Akpan
As part of activities to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day, women have been reminded of their important role in society and nation-building.
The Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, Cross River State, Dr. Helen Isamoh-Egodo, gave the reminder during a road walk organized by the Nigerian Olympic Committee, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Speaking during the exercise that kicked off from Millennium Park and en route to Cultural Center and back to the venue, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the laudable initiative by NOC which is aimed at celebrating women’s efforts.
“No woman should be humiliated, kept aside because their inputs are valuable. Women are the bedrock of society. Over the years women have suffered marginalization and discrimination both in government, families, and society.
“This is to reecho it to the entire world and the nation that from this year onward, women should be encouraged and carried along both in the family, society, and everywhere they find themselves. They should not be discriminated against and should be given equal opportunity to excel in their different careers politically, and economically among others.”
She commended the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu for being a gender-friendly governor, passionate about women, and always at the forefront to ensure the inclusion of women in his government.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Dr. Margaret Ene, also applauded the initiative and further sued for women’s inclusion in every strata of life; adding that women are both home and nation builders.
The Special Assistant to Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh – Diana-Mary Nsa, said the event was engineered by NOC with the aim to inspire inclusion and enhance gender balance.
“For a long time, women have cried for their voices to be heard and it is a good thing when we make progress and we should applaud that progress.”