The Nigerian Navy has set up a centre for women empowerment in Cross River State to provide training in different skills and give information needed to keep women abreast with their fundamental human rights.
The centre built by the Naval Officers Wives Association is part of the Navy’s commitment towards capacity building of women both military and civilians across Nigeria.
The force says it will empower women to be able to meet up with their counterparts in other developing countries.
At the opening of the centre in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, the wife of the Chief of Naval Staff and President of Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Theresa Ibok-Ette Ibas, reiterated the commitment of the association to ensuring that women are empowered.
Accompanied by members of NOWA in the state and the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, the NOWA President said the construction of the centre became necessary in order to help the society address increasing rate of violence against women and children in Nigeria.
“There will be a counseling unit, medical unit and other relevant units at the center to enable us achieve our vision and mission as a non-governmental agency committed to the emancipation of women.
“This secretariat would provide a functional base for NOWA activities such as empowerment of women by organising skill acquisition programmes, seminars, workshops and talks on pertinent issues concerning women,” she explained.
The initiator of the project and leader of the Eastern Naval Command branch of NOWA, Mrs Omotayo Oluwole, told reporters that the centre would also serve as a rehabilitation point for battered women.
She said: “By empowering women through skills training, we believe that our women would be able to stand tall and take their place in the fabrics of this nation. It is also our responsibility to enlighten women on their civil responsibilities and rights to the nation and their families”.
On his part, Rear Admiral Oluwole said the NOWA centre was constructed with the support of the Chief of Naval Staff.
“Without women, our families will not be cared for, as we move around the country to serve. Your role as mothers, wives and sisters is pivotal to societal growth. This is in recognition of that role,” the naval officer told the gathering.
He also urged the women to utilise the centre for the benefit of all navy families and humanity.
The building christened ‘Theresa Ibas Centre’ is in honour of women and meant to also restore dignity to the women folk.