News Agency of Nigeria
FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding
Gender

FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding

74 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the UN Women have begun the empowerment of more than 150 women on cassava processing and branding for the international market.

Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that the empowerment was under the FCT’s “Ba Yunwa: Ba Fushi” economic empowerment project with support from UN Women.

Ba yunwa: Ba fushi is a hausa expression which means “no hunger: no anger”.

She said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Sheda community in Kwali Area Council of the territory, to improve agricultural businesses in rural communities.

She said that the empowerment programme, which began on July 9, was to harness Sheda women’s entrepreneurial skills in processing and branding of “akpu”, a local delicacy for the international market.

Akpu, also known as fufu, is a popular Nigerian food, particularly among the Igbo people and other groups in the South-South region.

It is made from fermented cassava and often enjoyed with various Nigerian soups.

She said that 50 women were already trained as part of FCTA’s commitment to strengthening women’s resilience, improving food security, and enhancing overall well-being of residents.

She explained that the project was designed to empower women, girls, and children in the FCT, particularly the Akpu Women’s Group in Kwali Area Council.

She added that the goal of the project was to strengthen women’s resilience, improve food security, and enhance the overall well-being of residents in the FCT.

“It was also designed to provide access to a reliable source of water for the Akpu Women’s Group through the provision of a borehole for the Akpu Agro-processing Zone.

“This will enable the women to have access to a reliable source of water, which is essential for their agricultural activities.

“It was equally meant to equip the women with the skills and knowledge they need to start and manage their own businesses through business entrepreneurship and empowerment training.

“The overall goal is to improve the economic well-being of the women and their families,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the project aligned with the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and sustainable development, a key part of the two-year celebration of renewed hope in the FCT.

She reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to empower women across the six area councils of the territory, in line with President Bola Tinubu ‘s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

According to her, the women were being trained extensively to improve their cassava processing and branding skills.

“This will enable them to tap the potential of the international market.

“We are poised to strengthen women’s capacity in agricultural processing, improve food security and enhance the overall well-being of FCT residents.

“This we are doing through strategic empowerment of Sheda women engaged in processing of “akpu”, with improved skills, improved standards of hygiene, as well as branded packaging for export.”

The mandate secretary added that a work shed and a borehole were being constructed for the women to provide conducive working environment and water to support their processing businesses.

She thanked UN Women for the continued support and partnership to change the lot of women, girls and children in the FCT.

Also, the Head of UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Beatrice Enyong, said that the empowerment sought to build women’s capacity towards enhancing food security in Nigeria.

Enyong, who was represented at the event by the acting Deputy Country Representative, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, said that the empowerment would address challenges faced by women in agro-entrepreneurship, income generation and self-sufficiency.

She commended the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for the bold initiative aimed at creating a community-driven solution for women, families and the local economy.

“This programme seeks to address several challenges in our community, such as lack of access to entrepreneurship training, low participation in economic activities and poor access to clean water and sanitation.

“Other challenges include limited skills for managing small businesses and the persistent burden for women to provide for their families with little structural support,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Firm hosting all-female hackathon to position women in rangeland innovation, data science
Gender

Firm hosting all-female hackathon to position women in rangeland innovation, data science

245 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Omeva Consulting, a firm specialised in data science and communication across Africa, is hosting an all-female hackathon in Kaduna, to position women in rangeland innovation and data science.

Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maria de la Puerta, said at the ongoing event in Kaduna that the goal was to put women and data science at the centre of policy making for the livestock sector.

She said that the event, which runs from June 26 to July 8 with 30 participants, would set a bold new standard on how people think about rangeland, data, and gender inclusion.

The CEO said that the hackathon, tagged “Women Transform Rangelands”, would combine virtual and in-person activities, including training, mentorship, expert seminars, and collaborative solution-building.

She added that participants would work in teams to explore the Rangeland and Pasture Open Dataset on Kaggle and, with mentor guidance, develop practical solutions to transform rangeland management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“With guidance from experienced mentors such as Ms Zainab Idris from Creativity Enthusiast Network and Mr Emmanual Gabriel from Paragon Analytics Ltd., the women would develop practical solutions and revolutionise rangeland management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Beyond technical training and skills development, the hackathon seeks to amplify the visibility of Nigerian women in data science, showcasing their potential as innovators and leaders in sustainable rangeland management,” she said.

The CEO added that effort was building on the firm’s ArewaLadies4Tech mentorship programme, where it mentored several students, with many of them participating in the hackathon.

According to her, informed policy decisions require data, yet rangeland, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa are often left out of the data revolution that has transformed agricultural crop management.

She said that the gap limits the development of sustainable policies and solutions for livestock and pastoralist communities.

Puerta added that women remain underrepresented in both data science and policy making, despite their critical role in shaping resilient food systems.

According to her, the absence of women’s insights may lead to policies that may overlook key gendered and community-specific perspectives.

She said that the all-female hackathon addresses the challenges by empowering women in data science, strengthening female representation, and demonstrating how data informs policy decisions.

Puerta said that the initiative was supported by the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria and the Spanish Cooperation Office, as part of their broader commitment to scientific diplomacy and international collaboration.

“This aligns with the EU-funded PRISMA programme, which promotes agroecological transformation and climate resilience through data-driven solutions.

Also, Mr Juan Dembour, First Secretary of the Spanish Embassy, who officially opened the event, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to leveraging data in the livestock sector and promoting gender equality across Africa.

Dembour added that by supporting initiatives that place women at the forefront of science, technology, and environmental innovation, Spain would continue to promote inclusive, forward-looking solutions to global challenges.

“The Spain Embassy and the Spanish Cooperation Office remain dedicated to strengthening partnerships that foster innovation, sustainability, and gender equality in practice.

“Beyond its technical aims, the hackathon reflects Spain’s dedication to women’s empowerment, sustainable development, and the agenda 2030 priorities,” he added.

Also, Valerio Perucci, from the Italian-based Farm4Trade, sponsor of one of the hackathon prizes, said that the participants would work with the Namibia Rangeland Dataset, a field-verified resource developed under the Lacuna Fund.

Perucci explained that the dataset included detailed data on biomass, vegetation cover, and grazing patterns across 20 sites.

“This hands-on engagement with real data will enables the teams to explore practical pathways for using evidence in policymaking, ensuring that the voices, knowledge, and priorities of women are no longer left out of the conversation,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, founder, Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Environment lauded the deliberate choice of women for the hackathon.

This, she said, would create a safe and inclusive space where women could speak freely, lead confidently, and innovate without the social pressures that often limit women’s engagement in mixed settings.

“Women often hold back, not because they lack ideas or ability, but because of social pressure, especially in mixed settings.

“We are raised to stay quiet, not to take the lead. This hackathon creates a space where women do not need permission to speak up, try bold things, or lead with confidence,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Commissioners back GEWE with UN Women’s tracking tools
Gender

Commissioners back GEWE with UN Women’s tracking tools

299 total views today

By Justina Auta

State Commissioners of Women Affairs and Social Development have pledged to enhance implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) agenda, using new data and tracking tools provided by UN Women.

The commitment was made on the sidelines of a two-day GEWE Coordination Mechanism and Institutional Strengthening meeting, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mrs Edema Irom, Acting Dean of Commissioners and Cross River State Commissioner of Women Affairs, stressed the need to strengthen implementation mechanisms, especially at the grassroots level.

She assured that the commissioners would utilise the tools provided by UN Women to monitor progress, identify gaps, and inform policy decisions.

Irom emphasised the link between economic empowerment and the reduction of gender-based violence (GBV), calling for increased advocacy with governors, senators, and other decision-makers to prioritise women’s participation in economic and political processes.

According to Irom, commissioners have continued engaging stakeholders, including gender advocates, civil society, policymakers, and the wife of the President, to push for broader implementation of the GEWE agenda and boost women’s political representation.

“The message is simple, you can’t build a nation without women. We are more than half of the population. Empower women, and you empower the nation,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Neido Geoffrey-Kofulto, Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, noted that while some states were making progress, others needed to accelerate the implementation of GEWE initiatives.

She encouraged her counterparts to take greater steps in their respective states to ensure transformative impact.

Meanwhile, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, urged the commissioners to close implementation gaps in the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) agenda.

She emphasised the importance of addressing systemic challenges that hindered progress.

Ekeoba also called for the alignment of national and global commitments, the strengthening of institutional frameworks, and the harmonisation of policies.

According to her, these steps are essential for improving coordination and ensuring greater accountability in the implementation of GEWE programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by representatives from UN Women, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, zonal gender coordinators, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition
Gender

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition

319 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Thursday urged women to prioritise family nutrition and adopt healthy eating habits for well-being.

 

 

 

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made the appeal at a WAPA-organised programme titled, ‘Ounje l’ore awo’.

 

 

 

Dada said the nutrition intervention was designed to inform and address urgent health and dietary needs of grassroots women across Lagos State.

 

 

 

She noted that the programme aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda, which prioritises women’s welfare, healthcare, and social protection in state development plans.

 

 

 

According to her, WAPA has reached thousands of vulnerable women through this initiative in various local government areas across Lagos.

 

 

 

The current beneficiaries were selected from Ikosi-Isheri, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, and Ikeja local government areas of the state.

 

 

 

She stated that 250 women from these areas received food items including rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, eggs, garri, oil, and salt.

 

 

 

The Commissioner said: “This initiative is not just about food; it restores dignity, promotes wellness, and empowers women to live healthier and more informed lives.

 

 

 

“We have engaged nutritionists and dietitians to educate women on proper diets, healthy lifestyles, and preventing nutrition-related illnesses.”

 

 

 

She said WAPA’s multi-sectoral approach aims not only to reduce poverty, but to prevent illness and ensure women thrive in health and confidence.

 

 

 

“The role of women in the home and community is vital. When a woman is nourished, the entire household and community benefit,” she said.

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, Mr Olusola Malomo, Chief Dietitian at Ajeromi General Hospital, stressed the need for mothers to adopt healthy eating habits.

 

 

 

Malomo said a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, fibre, fish, and meat helps prevent diseases that can affect the family and the wider community.

 

 

 

According to him, mothers are change agents at home and in the community, hence they must be well-informed about proper dietary choices.

 

 

 

“The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated, especially now when rising food prices are affecting the quality of meals.

 

 

 

“It is crucial to educate mothers at home because they are the ones responsible for food preparation,” Malomo said.(NAN)

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FCT Women Affairs building a better future for children – Secretary
Gender

FCT Women Affairs building a better future for children – Secretary

566 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is implementing child-centred programmes and projects toward building a better future for all children in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said this at the 2025 National Children’s Day, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that WAS has coordinated various interventions and life-impacting programmes for the good of children in the FCT.

She identified some of the programmes as the advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and review of guidelines for the operations of orphanage homes in the territory.

The gesture, according to her, is to give hope to our children, especially, the vulnerable ones and those with disability.

She recalled that in 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC), was adopted by the Global Community to give direction to the rights of children across the world.

She added that in July 2003, Nigeria took a bold step to domesticate the International Child Treaty, by passing the Child’s Right Act into law.

“But today, we are still faced with the challenge of full domestication and implementation of the Child’s Rights Act in all the states of the federation.

“There is, therefore, the need to ensure full domestication of the Child Rights Act across the country.

She congratulated children in the FCT and the country, adding that child’s protection and promoting policies that would protect children’s rights to education were critical to national development.

She commended parents, schools and caregivers, who were playing the pivotal role of training and nurturing children, both at the home fronts and in schools.

“Indeed, you are doing a great job!” she said

The mandate secretary said that the theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, was apt against the continued incidences of bullying in schools.

She said that bullying was being orchestrated by few radical students who have lost control of moral upbringing in society.

She added that the ugly act has cast a dark shadow in the school system, leaving victims beaten, injured and traumatised.

“This should not continue.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate our children, we call on our teaming students in FCT to rise against bullying and speak up whenever confronted with this radical menace.

“I urge you to avoid bullying and channel all your energy to academic resourcefulness, in order to shape a better tomorrow for yourselves,” she said.

Earlier, a child with disability, Victory Maduka, stressed the need for building a bullying-free generation, adding that everyone deserves to feel safe, loved and respected, especially children with disabilities.

According to her, bullying hurts and must be stopped.

“We must treat each other with kindness no matter our differences.

“Children with disabilities are strong and full of dreams. When we listen to them and support them, we build a better world.

“Let’s celebrate what makes each of us unique. Together we can build a better future where no one is left out.”

Also, orphans at the FCT Unity Children Home, Gwako, Gwagwalada, thanked FCT Minister Nyesome Wike for refurbishing their vehicles and giving them hope.

“Your Kindness makes us feel special and loved. We are grateful for your care and support,” the children said.

The Deputy Director, Child Development Department, WAS, Mr Idris Attah, explained that the vehicles have been grounded for more than 10 years. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Traditional ruler urges men to treat women as equals
Gender , General News

Traditional ruler urges men to treat women as equals

630 total views today

By Henry Oladele

 The Oniru of Iru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal Abisogun II, on Tuesday urged men to treat women as equals and not as property.

He made the call during Nigeria’s 3rd Men-Only Townhall Meeting, held at Oniru Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s theme was: ‘Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls’.

Community leaders, religious figures, and professionals attended the event to explore ways to promote cultural accountability and shared responsibility.

“Men must stop viewing women as possessions. Women deserve equal rights, voices, and aspirations,” Oba Lawal said.

He further urged men to challenge all forms of abuse and create safe, supportive spaces for women.

In his opening remarks, Lawal highlighted the weight of fatherhood and the need for men to continue learning.

He stressed the important role religious leaders play in protecting women and girls through education and advocacy.

He pledged Iru community’s support for such programmes, including financial backing for future initiatives.

Chief Abayomi Daramola, Balogun of Iru and Chairman of the meeting, addressed Nigeria’s parenting challenges.

He emphasised a father’s key role in shaping children’s values and character within the home.

Keynote Speaker, Mr Balogun Murtala, called on men to raise empathetic sons and reject the marginalisation of women.

“Men must foster environments where women can thrive and express themselves freely,” he said.

He called for communities to spread messages of care and responsibility towards women and girls.

Sheikh Abulabeebah, Chief Imam and Director at Daaru-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre, stressed early education on marriage and equality for boys.

He urged men to commit fully to protecting and caring for women and girls.

Mr Olamilekan Adewale, a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, spoke on love and accountability.

He advised men to lead by example and raise children with solid moral foundations.

The Ashipa of Odi Olowo community, Mr Deji Oluwalonimi, said many African problems begin at home.

He urged traditional and royal institutions to confront these issues directly and openly.

NAN reports that the meeting stressed teaching boys cultural values that promote respect for women.

Financial responsibility remains a key role for men, as traditional providers in families.

Participants agreed that caring for women and girls is a duty, not a choice, for all institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation
Gender

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation

682 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun processes toward the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this at a three-day workshop on rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, government and public policy.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the World Bank for management staff and stakeholders across all sectors and sections of the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that the workshop was also organised to develop the needed strategy toward establishment of FCT Disability Commission to ensure full implementation of the Act.

She described the Act as a legislation that aimed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion in all aspects of society.

According to her, the domestication and implementation of the Act in FCT are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities.

“This workshop is designed to equip us with the essential technical knowledge, skills, and orientation necessary for the effective domestication and implementation of the Act.

“I am confident that the discussions and deliberations over the next three days will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to the challenges we face in promoting disability inclusion.”

The pioneer mandate secretary said she had always been passionate about promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

She said that the establishment of Disability Desk served as a testament to her commitment to disability inclusion and support.

“This desk is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of women and children with disabilities are addressed and that they have equal access to opportunities and services,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi thanked the World Bank for the continued support in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

She assured of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, which he described as another capital project deserving due attention.

“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, and that persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities without them. We cannot make any decision that affects them without them being present,” she added.

Hadjia Majida Adamu, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister of State, and Coordinator, Social Investment Programme, commended Benjamins-Laniyi for the bold step.

Adamu said that the workshop reflected a critical step towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based society where every individual, regardless of physical ability, was given equal opportunity to thrive.

According to her, the step represents FCT’s commitment to dismantling barriers and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of our social, economic, and governance structures.

Mr Rex Irame, a legal practitioner and Chairman Albinism Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, stressed the need to pay more attention on implementation of the disability Act.

Irame said, “if we don’t take the issue of implementation seriously, then it takes away the beauty of the Act”.

Responding, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, Disability Inclusion Consultant, World Bank, expressed optimism that the Act would be fully implemented considering the divergent stakeholders and government agencies that were brought onboard.

“The FCTA has done the needful by ensuring that every institution of government and critical stakeholders were carried along.

“This has broadened the base for the implementation of the disability policy in the FCT.

“Everybody is going to work with the commission, with support from the world bank and other stakeholders to ensure that the law is not just on paper, but fully implemented,” he said.

Adedayo said that the bank would provide technical assistance to the Women Affairs Secretariat to develop the FCT Disability Policy.

He added that the world bank would also support the FCT to establish its disability commission as well as to develop and strengthen inter-agency collaborative mechanisms.

This, he said, would enable the FCT to fully implement the disability policy in line with the national disability Act. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Odumakin advocates policy direction to implement 35% affirmative action
Gender

Odumakin advocates policy direction to implement 35% affirmative action

838 total views today

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Dr Joe Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, has called for a deliberate policy direction to implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action for women in public governance.

Odumakin made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The rights activist said the move was crucial for achieving social inclusion and eliminating entrenched barriers against women in politics and public service.

Odumakin emphasised that Nigeria, as a signatory to various international instruments, conventions, and treaties, must put in place measures to eradicate gender discrimination as well as ensure human dignity and equality for all.

The 35 per cent affirmative action, she noted, was a key step toward achieving the goals.

To boost women’s participation in politics, Odumakin advised government to implement gender quotas.

According to her, legislated gender quotas can effectively increase women’s representation in politics.

She harped on the need for governments to take steps to prevent violence against women in politics and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Odumakin also urged the government to show support by investing in capacity-building programmes for women candidates and regulate campaign financing to promote equal participation.

For women to succeed in politics and create lasting change, the rights activist advised on the importance of organisation, resilience, perseverance, and collaboration.

“It is time to shift the narrative. Our women must organise more and agonise less.

“We have to support ourselves. Resilience, perseverance, intelligence, hard work and collaboration is key,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Maryam Balla inaugurated as first female chair of NICE, Kano Chapter
Gender , Science & Tech

Maryam Balla inaugurated as first female chair of NICE, Kano Chapter

961 total views today

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Mrs Maryam Balla has been inaugurated as the first female Chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Kano Chapter.

Balla, elected in December 2024 alongside eight other executives, takes over from Mr Murtala Garba to serve a two-year term.

Speaking at the inauguration in Kano, Garba described Balla’s emergence as a significant milestone in the advancement of women in the engineering profession in Nigeria.

He acknowledged her wealth of experience and exceptional leadership qualities, stating they made her an ideal choice for the role.

“I have no doubt that she is equal to the task. I urge her to continue fostering collaboration among members, encourage research, and empower younger engineers to excel.

“I also pledge my full support in the discharge of her duties,” he said.

Garba highlighted his own achievements during his two-year tenure, including the registration of 60 new engineers, organisation of numerous capacity-building workshops, and conducting professional training sessions to enhance the skills of engineers.

“Additionally, the chapter engaged in community outreach initiatives, promoting the role of civil engineering in local development.

“I am proud of the progress we have made as a chapter, and it has been an honour to serve.

“We have made great strides in advancing civil engineering in Kano. I believe our efforts will have a lasting impact,” Garba said.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of NICE, Mr Ajanaku Antoni, commended the Kano Chapter for their dedication and hard work.

Represented by the National Vice Chairman, Prof. Hashim Alhassan, he congratulated the chapter on the successful election of the new executive members and urged them to build on the achievements of their predecessors.

“I congratulate you on the election of the new executives and the achievements made under the leadership of Murtala Garba.

“I urge you to continue working hard and remain steadfast in your commitment to advancing civil engineering in Nigeria,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, Balla pledged to foster innovation, enhance the welfare of civil engineers, and ensure the institution contributed to national infrastructure development.

“I am honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. My vision is to support the continued advancement of civil engineering in the state,” she said.

Balla emphasised the importance of greater inclusivity and diversity in the engineering field and encouraged young women to consider careers in the profession.

She also stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration to advance the sector and pledged to work with similar professional organisations.

She called on members, stakeholders, and relevant agencies to support her in fulfilling her responsibilities.

The event was attended by senior government officials, engineers, and key stakeholders from the construction and infrastructure sectors. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Martha Agas/Abiemwense Moru

Mothers, stronghold of family, societal unity – Gov. Diri
Gender

Mothers, stronghold of family, societal unity – Gov. Diri

952 total views today

By Shedrack Frank

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has felicitated with women and mothers on the occasion of the 2025 International Mother’s Day, which is also known as Mothering Sunday.

Diri described mothers as the stronghold of families and societal unity.

He said that the celebration was an opportunity to again recognise and acknowledge the significant role of mothers in the family, the society and in nation building.

The governor said that the theme of the 2025 celebration: “Beauty of Motherhood”, was quite captivating as it reflected on the essence of motherhood.

“Mothers are builders and nurturers. They are the bulwark of family and societal cohesion and growth. Without them, every home, family and society will lose its salt and essence.

“This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of my mother, and indeed mothers, in the moulding of the right virtues in children.

“My mother, for instance, exhibited love and sacrifice beyond measure; a real epitome of the virtuous woman.

“I celebrate mothers on this special day and urge them to continue to be the glue that binds families and nations. Well nurtured children produce a stable and cohesive society,” he said.

Diri restated his administration’s commitment to affirmative action for women and mothers and uplifting them through the requisite skills acquisition and empowerment programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Joe Idika

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