Niger Delta
Stakeholders Identify Obstacles To Women Participation In Governance
Some female stakeholders in the Rivers South-East Senatorial zone have said that culture, poverty, illiteracy and others were some of the factors inhibiting them from full participation in governance.
A cross section of the women said this at a town hall meeting organised by the centre for Environment,Human Right and Development (CEHRD) with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria at Nonwa in Tai Local Government Area.
The women noted that by the culture of the area, it is a taboo for women to be seen in the assembly of men or to aspire for leadership
The women lamented that inspite of their contributions in the society, they are effectively excluded from governance even at community level.
“We provide food in our homes, take care of our homes and nurture our children, yet, we are not considered good enough to contribute or participate in making decisions that affect our lives”, the women lamented.
Marsha Nwanne, CEHRD gender officer, who facilitated the meeting in conjunction with David Vareba and Queen Agba condemned the exclusion of women from governance, saying it is no longer acceptable.
She noted that many communities and societies are opening up their governance space to accommodate women folk, adding that the essence of the meeting was to create a platform that would help propel women into politics.
Nuonne urged women to unite among themselves and begin to insist on bringing to on end obnoxious cultures that encourage the marginalisation of women in governance.
She them to be bold and step out of the box they have been boxed into, saying that they have rights to participate in governance at all levels.
The CEHRD gender officer commended the participants and urged them to take the message of the need for women participation in governance to others.
She reminded them that democracy is government of the people, for the people and by the people, not government of the men.
The highpoint of the meeting was the formation and inauguration of a platform known as Women in Governance Network (WIGN).
The women adopted the platform as a rallying point to mobilise women for participation in governance.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
