By Patrick Obia
In male male-dominated profession of minibus driving, Asibe Ifeoma Philomena has pitched herself and given women a voice as she becomes the first woman leader of Cross River State Mini Bus Drivers Association.
Aside from becoming the first woman leader of the Association, Ifeoma is the first president of the State’s Female Mini Bus Drivers Association, a position she has held for months.
At the inauguration held at the Unified Mini Bus Drivers Association office, Calabar South Local Government Area, had other 13 male counterparts.
“I feel great, I feel filled, I feel women now have a voice amongst the men… that my dream is filled in this aspect.”
Ifeoma noted that she has desired to see women raise the bar, especially in male-dominated professions, and she is elated to have achieved it with many more in sight.
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“I have always wished to see women succeed, I was already the president of the female drivers association Cross River State, and before this very position of being the women leader of all the minibus drivers association, this had indeed shown that women are important in every sector in our society. And am proud of the achievement.”
Though fulfilled at what she does (minibus driving) but yet at her peak. She looks forward to seeing more women venture into the driving business and becoming self-employed rather than sitting on the fence.
“Very fulfilled, but I am not there yet… I will be there when I see smiles on the faces of many women out there. And making sure women are well represented in the transport section in the State and national.”
She said her association – the female Mini Bus Drivers Association, boasts of not less than 20 registered female drivers.
Ifeoma who self-sponsored herself in the University of Calabar through her minibus driving, charged other women and men to be focused and have a vision in anything they do.
In attendance at the inauguration were the representatives from the Ministry of Transportation of Cross River State; the Director and Secretary of Calabar Transport Regulatory Agency better known as 100 Marian.
Also in attendance include the State Police Traffic Department among others.
She is one of the women who are shifting the gears, daring, and succeeding in male-dominated professions and skills.