Recognizing the doggedness of non-indigenous women in the State, the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu has stated that the people first mantra of the State Governor extends to non-indigenes and that women inclusivity in the present administration is non-negotiable.
Speaking at the hosting of 300 APC Non-Indigenous Widows to celebrate their resilience and dedication to the Cross River purpose, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu inferred that non-indigenous widows’ resident in the State have a mother in her that they can rely on.
Represented by the Special Adviser Programmes, Office of the Wife of Governor, Apostle Queen Eton, the Governor’s wife appreciated indigenous women who have lived and invested peacefully in the State for so many years, noting that their positive commitment to the affairs of the State is commendable.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing Services, Mrs. Spencer Efem and the Director, Women Development Centre, Cross River State, Chief Majorie Asuquo appreciated the Governor’s wife for bringing governance to families and for putting smiles on the faces of women, stating that the narratives of widows across the State has been changed.
Speaking earlier, the Leader, Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women, Mrs. Nnenna Maria Ezaegu appreciate the Governor’s Wife for extending love and care to the women, stating that “they are not forgotten, that even though they are far from home, this land still holds room for them to rise again.”
Describing Bishop Eyoanwan Otu as a blessing to the State, she emphasized that the Governor’s wife has “consistently shown deep commitment to women, children, families and to the most vulnerable in our State.” She reiterated that the Governor’s wife is rebuilding hope, restoring dignity and strengthening families by reminding women that they are seen, valued and supported.
“Your work across the State speaks from education to welfare, to health intervention and to nurturing women-led interventions. You are not just the first lady of our State, you are a mother of the State, a pillar of support and a shining example of compassionate leadership. Thank you for standing with women, both indigenous and non-indigenous, who call Cross River State their home,” she concluded.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the widows, representatives of the Igo, Yoruba, Hausa and Akwa Ibom women thanked the Governor’s wife for being intentional about the welfare of women irrespective of tribe. Hajiya Fatima Abukakar noted that Cross River State has become home to many Hausa women and Bishop Eyoanwan Otu has made it more welcoming by her deliberate efforts to empower them.
In a vote of thanks, the Secretar, Cross River State APC Non-Indigenous Women, Mrs. Rosemary Ehinome appreciated the Governor’s wife for the show of love and for making sure non-indigenous women especially widows are taken care of. She expressed readiness of the non-indigenous women to be law abiding and support the initiatives of the State Government for the benefits of all.
The hosting of the APC Non-Indigenous women featured the distribution of rice, wrappers and cash gifts to widows.
Esther Okoi
