MARTHA EMMANUEL: GOV’S WIFE BAGS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FROM AKSUWA
***Makes case for women inclusion in governance at all levels
……………The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has been conferred with an award of Excellence in women Development by the Akwa Ibom state University Women Association (AKSUWA).
The honour was conferred on Mrs. Emmanuel on Thursday, during a one-day women workshop organised by the group on the theme ‘The Excellency of Womanhood’ at the main campus of the University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin LGA.
Also honoured for their outstanding contributions to womanhood were the Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom south (Eket) Senatorial district, Dr Mrs Akon Eyakenyie and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Eno Ibanga.
Speaking shortly after her conferment, the governor’s wife thanked the association for the honour done her, and said the theme of the gathering was rather pertinent, especially coming at a time where the global community is calling for women inclusion in governance.
Mrs. Emmanuel stressed gathering such as the workshop opens up more opportunities for women to showcase their innate talents, noting that when women come together to brainstorm on issues concerning them, a lot of progress would have been achieved by the women folk.
She encouraged the varsity women to be innovative and credible in their output, and as well work as a team, maintaining that when they promote each other, the men would gladly offer them positions of authority.
While commending the organizers of the workshop for providing a platform where women within the town and gown community can exchange ideas, Mrs. Emmanuel Said on her part she would continue to be associated with any meaningful programme that seeks to engender the progress of women.
Earlier, the President of AKSUWA, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebi Ibanga in her welcome address, thanked the governor’s wife for honouring their invitation, saying the theme of the workshop was carefully selected to showcase and x-ray the role of women in the society.
She added that women are stars and as such deserve to be treated as queens, pointing out that God has placed a unique feature in every woman to enable her shine forth.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Eno Ibanga alluded to the fact that women are stabilizers that make things happen in the society and as such, it is inappropriate for them to be caged.
He further thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for supporting the academic institution to rank amongst the best state owned universities, stating that as of today, all courses offered have accreditation.
In a keynote address, presented by Rt. Hon. Ekaette Ebong Okon, ably represented by Mrs. Imoh Essien speaking on the theme “the Excellency of Womanhood” (Socially, Politically, Economically and Educationally), defined a woman as a female gender of humanity who is a destiny helper in all ramifications.
She said women constitute a significant percentage of the population in every society and are considered as home builders and strong influence on their male folk, adding that the excellency of a woman revolves round the quality of personality she exudes.
Similarly, the Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom south (Eket) Senatorial district, Dr. Mrs. Akon Eyakenyie, said women must brace up for the challenge of inclusion in governance.
She stressed that in a world where the male folk dominate the political turf, for women to be counted, they must exert twice the verve of the men.
There was a goodwill message from the wife of the speaker, Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Dr. Mrs. Uduak Luke while members of the ‘Town and Gown’ community also registered their presence.
(C) Koko Udonquak
26th April, 2019
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