WEDNESDAY April 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
To better equip themselves for the task ahead, female councillors from the South-South region convened in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their first South-South Female Councillors Summit with the theme: “Effective Stakeholder Partnership: The Way Forward for Grassroots Development.”
According to the President of the South-South Female Councillors Forum, Idongesit Micah Eno—who is also the Deputy Leader of Ibesikpo Asutan Legislative Council and Councillor representing Ibesikpo Ward 5 in Akwa Ibom State—the summit aimed to empower and support women in leadership positions, enabling them to break new ground and explore untapped opportunities.
Speaking at the summit, Dr. Glory Edet, former Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Welfare, and Agriculture in Akwa Ibom State, urged female councillors to set high standards and communicate thoughtfully in public. She advised:
“Believe that it is a privilege to serve, and never look down on anyone because tomorrow holds possibilities.”
In her address, Miracle Arimobi, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Female Youth Development, shared an inspiring story:
In 2011, during Nigeria’s general elections, a young woman from a rural community in Delta State boldly declared her intention to contest for a councillorship position. Many doubted her. Some mocked her. Others told her to ‘step aside’ because politics was seen as a ‘man’s game.’
However, she refused to give up. With determination, she engaged women’s groups, market women, and youth organizations, and built strong relationships with key community leaders. When the elections came, she won—not just by votes, but by inspiring other women to believe in their leadership potential.
Arimobi emphasized that this story reflects the growing reality across Nigeria—women are proving that politics is not just for men, but a platform for impact, inclusion, and innovation.
Entrepreneur and Empowerment Enthusiast QueenPraise Uzoma encouraged female councillors to have a second source of income, invest in businesses, and use social media to promote their ventures.
Another speaker, Amina Yahaya, stressed the importance of women supporting one another, stating:
“When you get there, uplift another woman.”
Panelists including Sandra Bassey, Mercy Isuwa Omiken, Grace Basy-Duke, and Bemeyi Jonah-Abasi provided diverse insights on the summit’s theme.
Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Bayelsa State Chairperson of Female Councillors, Mrs. Diepriye Roseline Yankee-Robinson, expressed gratitude to the organizers for creating a platform to enhance the knowledge and effectiveness of female leaders in the region.
Laeticia Tarerefa, Secretary of the South-South Female Councillors Forum and Deputy Leader of Ekeremor Legislative Council, also commended participants for their commitment. She described the summit as an eye-opener and promised greater initiatives for enhanced service delivery in the future.
