First Lady, Ex Deputy Governor, Others  Honoured At  SWEF Inaugural Conference In Delta 

 

Sola POPOOLA

Nigeria women have been charged to invest in themselves by engaging  in small-scale trades and skills acquisition  inorder  to augment their income sources and make substantial contributions to their families.
This admonition was given at the inauguration of the Delta  State chapter of the Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF) where Chief Dr. Linda Eya Ikpuri emerged as the  State Coordinator of the forum .
The programme ,with the theme ‘The Bane of Gender Bias; and the Need to Restore Balance in the Society’ underscored SWEF’s dedication to uplifting and empowering women in the southern region.
The forum sought to support women to achieve their full potential and contribute to both  community and National  development.Over 20 women were empowered  at the  event held at Monarchy Event Center in Effurun.
The keynote speaker, Olori Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Mrs. Ebiyemi Omaseye, the Olujimi of Warri Kingdom, lauded the efforts of  the National President and her team for their efforts in promoting investments in women and driving progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
In her address ,the  SWEF’s National President , Dr. Helen Adebakin underscored  the imperative to confront gender bias, a pervasive issue that has plagued our society for an extended period.She observed that gender bias, with its numerous insidious manifestations, has prevented generations of women and girls from achieving their full potential, thereby denying them opportunities, suppressing their voices, and restricting their liberty.

“But today, as we stand together united in our mission for empowerment and equality, we declare that enough is enough. It is time to restore balance in our society”, she hinted.

At the inauguration event, His Excellency Barr. Dcn Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, and Her Excellency Tobore Oborovwori, wife of the Delta State Governor, were conferred with the distinguished roles of Grand Patron and Grand Matron, of the Delta State Chapter of Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF).

The  panelists, including Chief Emma Agbaduba, PDP Vice-chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Ogochukwu Okekpolo-FSM, Pioneer Director, International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, Delta State Chapter; Barr. Mrs. Ogechi Megbele, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Delta State Chapter; and Ayo Okotie, Executive Director, Neferok Development Initiative, highlighted the significance of parental responsibilities and taking reflective actions to pinpoint key focus areas for enhancing the prospects of women.

In her inaugural speech, Dr. Linda Eya Ikpuri  reaffirmed her readiness to lead programs and activities that foster women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social progress, in line with the Organization’s strategic priorities.

She expressed gratitude to HRM Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, who was the sole sponsor of the empowerment segment of the program.

The event also featured  lecture series and goodwill  messages from state actors and captains of industry  on how women can engage in small-scale trades and skills to augment their income sources and make substantial contributions to their families’ maintenance.

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