The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has advised women to struggle for power, rather than expect men to bequeath power to them on a platter of gold.
The governor urged women not to beg for positions. He said they should set up structures that would help them get political mileage.
According to Governor Wike, “Nobody is stopping women from excelling in the political arena, women must work for their political emancipation. When it comes to power, you have to struggle for it. If you are prepared for politics, you must equip yourself “.
The governor stated that his administration will construct a women development centre with all facilities to empower women while assuring that he will continue to work for their development and growth in all spheres of life.
This was made known during the Women’s Day of the Rivers Golden Jubilee Celebration in Port Harcourt.
Also in attendance was the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, who commended the governor on his empowerment towards women.
She said, “Rivers women will remain grateful to Governor Wike for giving them political and professional leverage also that the governor’s choice of female deputy governor and the appointment of the first female Chief Judge and President of Customary Court of Appeal ensured that Rivers women took their pride of place in politics.”
The wife of the state governor, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike described the governor as a women-friendly governor who is implementing policies and programmes to uplift women.
“The Women’s Day is set aside to honour women for their contributions to the creation and growth of the state and the country. The efforts to empower Women must be strengthened because women have attained positions of responsibility, not envisaged before. “
The Wife of Former President of Nigeria, Professor Uche Nnamdi Azikiwe, in her guest lecture titled, “Status of Women and politics in Nigeria said violence can only be reduced across the world when women assume leadership.
“The political marginalisation being suffered by women are man-made.
She, therefore, urged women to unite and play significant roles in their respective communities, calling for urgent steps to address the dwindling fortunes of women in Nigerian politics.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rivers Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra lauded Rivers women for their roles in the development of the state.
The Women’s Day of the Rivers Golden Jubilee Celebration witnessed Special Songs by New Rivers Vision Women Team, cuisine, art and craft competition, traditional dances and traditional fashion parade.
High point of the event was the special recognition and presentation of gifts to Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Wife of the Former President, Professor Uche Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ms Ankio Briggs, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Mrs Hannah Aguma and other women by the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike.
