Women

How Rivers Girl Emerged Newcastle Ambassador

Published

13 years ago

March 22, 2013

Lorraine Ichoku, 26 years old, from Omoku, Rivers State recently emerged an Ambassador for Newcastle City, in the United Kingdom. This was in recognition of her spectacular role in the just concluded London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games.

In an appointment letter signed by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and made available to The Tide, Lorraine was honoured for her inspiring and supportive role in making the London Olympic a huge success. The letter which read in part stated; “As a Newcastle Ambassador, you have ensured that thousands of people have enjoyed the London 2012 experience by the welcome and spirit that you have shown visitors to your local area. You and your fellow volunteers have been an essential ingredient in a remarkable summer that millions of people across the country have shared and will remember for a lifetime.

“You have sent an incredible message about the warmth, friendliness and can-do spirit of the United Kingdom right around the world. Quite simply, the games couldn’t have happened without you,” the letter stated.

In a mark of appreciation, and gratitude, the British Prime Minister added that the experience from the games would encourage the recipient to continue to make a different in life.

Young Lorraine Ichoku, who travelled to the United Kingdom to pursue a masters degree programme in Public Health under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Scholarship returned back to Nigeria, recently with a distinctive academic laurel.

She came out with a distinction in her Masters Programme in Public Health at the Northumbria University Newcastle City.

Lorraine who spoke with The Tide correspondents, in Port Harcourt, in an interview recently, said she went to the United Kingdom with a determined spirit to make the best use of all available opportunities that came her way.

Recalling her experience in the United Kingdom, she said, contrary to initial fears or racial prejudice, the environment was quite conducive and friendly and that spurred her drive towards academic excellence.

She said the learning culture encourages the spirit of excellence and she developed a firmer grasp of her objective in the foreign land.

Lorraine who was highly grateful to NDDC for giving her the opportunity, said she had to channel her intellectual energies to attain success so as to press home the advantages of a good and functional education. “While in the United Kingdom, I was very conscious of the fact that I would go back to Nigeria someday. I knew that my entire stay in the United Kingdom would be a waste if I didn’t do well, so I took my studies seriously and it paid off, today. I am very happy for making Rivers State and Nigeria proud, I am indeed grateful to NDDC for paying all my tuition and accommodation fees,” she said.

Lorraine who did her first degree in Bio-Chemistry at Bacbok University in Nigeria, said her purpose of studying Public Health at Masters level was to work in Nigeria and help her people in dire health needs.

Her vision is to ensure that Nigerians, especially those living at the grassroots, have access to good health care, adding that she would not hesitate if she has the opportunity of serving the teeming Nigerian masses living at the level of existence.

“Nigerians at the grassroots deserve better medicare, they are people that plants the food we eat, they bear the real burden of our national life, I will be very happy to render services to them if I have the opportunity. I have always longed to work for my people by providing the services that can improve their well-being,” she stressed.

She discarded the wrong impression and perception held about Nigerians by most parts of the world.

According to her, “Nigerians in the United Kingdom are doing quite well their the respective fields of endeavour. At the United Kingdom I met Nigerians who are on top of their careers, in the arts, medicine, law, banking, among others. Nigerians are indeed, great and superlative people.”

However, on return to Nigeria, Lorraine Ichoku was disturbed by the growing level of insecurity in the country, which has resulted in the wanton lost of lives and property. She also regrets that youths are at the roots of the growing insecurity.

She appealed to the Federal Government to address issues of insecurity which has affected the image of the country internationally, while also advising Young Lorraine also advised youths to channel their energies creatively and shun violence and other anti-social activities.

Commenting on her award as a Newcastle Ambassador, Lorraine said she was highly grateful to the British Government for the honour. She said her participation in the London Olympic as a volunteer, provided her with the opportunity of meeting people from all parts of the world and this according to her, enhanced her capacity for self expression and socialisation.

Lorraine Ichoku who also emerged the second best graduating student in her masters programme, said another Nigerian Youth, Kessy from Warri, emerged the overall best. according to her Nigeria youths are endowed with exceptional talents, and such lavishing sense of creativity can best be demonstrated through academic excellence. She sees education as “an ornament that chastise vices, groom the mind and open windows of opportunities for its proud and fulfilled owner”.

Taneh Beemene / Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

3 weeks ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Recently a gathering of women from all parts of Nigeria took place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Lagos geared towards advancing women’s empowerment.

It was tagged: “10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026”. It was a historic event.

There was a full-capacity attendance at the rally, with not less than 100 participants from each of the 36 states of the federation, despite the significant logistical challenges and costs involved.

The theme was: “10 Million Women, One Movement, One Voice, One Goal,” and was described by stakeholders as an unprecedented gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event marked a strategic shift from symbolic participation to substantive empowerment and representation of women at all levels.

During that event, the First Lady and wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Lady Valerie Fubara’s dedication to women’s empowerment was rooted in a clear vision: to strengthen women’s economic independence, educational advancement, and leadership capacity, ensuring that no woman was left behind.

Her consistent display of compassion, humility and service to humanity, particularly to women at the grassroots, has set a benchmark for first ladies across the country.

The rally stood as a testament to the power of collective female mobilization. She was described as a pillar of support for the advancement of peace, progress, and development among women.

The rally was to make a national impact and to have a strategic vision for Nigerian women.

In a keynote address at the rally, the National Convener of the 10 Million women empowerment mega rally initiative and Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the rally as a “defining moment”for Nigerian women and a transition from mere political participation to active leadership and influence.

The Minister outlined the initiative’s core objectives to include: Presentation of the Women’s Charter for National Development, to promote increased political and economic inclusion of women, Grassroots Integration Framework, to connect women’s groups across all 9,410 wards in Nigeria and tangible empowerment programmes, including the symbolic distribution of tricycles, hair dryers, and sewing machines to beneficiaries.

She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to placing economic resources directly in the hands of women through targeted interventions that create jobs, provide business support, and expand access to skills training.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her maternal leadership and unwavering support for the initiative, as well as to the wives of state governors whose contributions were instrumental to the programme’s success.

The 10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026 signalled a new era where Nigerian women are not only participants in national development but active shapers of policy and progress.

That rally for me was not a mere one. I think that that rally may have been a kind of reminder to both the women and all stakeholders that women are prepared to get involved in politics when given the opportunity.

Such rally could also have served as an avenue to let the women know that they can.

During the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, women were represented in governance. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was the coordinating minister and minister of Finance and later served as minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Obi Ezekwesili was minister of education. Late Dora Akunyili served as minister of information after serving as chair of National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Boma Jack, a Rivers daughter, was the minister of culture and tourism under that administration.

Dr. Kema Chikwe was appointed minister of transport, minister of Aviation and Aerospace and later, National Women Leader of a political party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rivers State has produced two powerful and qualified deputy governors, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, who is currently representing Rivers South West Senatorial District. Another is Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the deputy governor of Rivers State.

Prior the 2015 electioneering period, the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, PhD, during each gathering of women would always go by their slogan: “Can we?” And women would say:”Yes we can”.

She championed the course of women attaining the 35% affirmative action. To a large extent, it was realistic. Women all over Nigeria were carried along in politics. Many states of the federation had female deputy governors.

There was a particular rally that brought women from every part of the country as they converged on Abuja. That rally had the likes of Prof Dora Akunyili of blessed memory, Josephine Aneni, just to mention but a few.

I remember when late Akunyili said:”if a man is the chairman of a local government, a woman should be the vice. If a man is a governor, the woman should be the deputy, and so on. Their message then was clear. They clamoured for creation of appointive and elective positions for women in Nigeria.

Of course women can. Those who at one time or the other were given opportunity to vie for elective positions and or appointed into positions of authority have done well.

Many women became deputy governors, vice chairmen, some were elected into state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nkeiruka Onyejocha represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives and currently, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

Uche Ekwunife was a member of House of Representatives and later represented and recently a Senator representing the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District.

Hon Blessing Onyeche Onuh was elected and is representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives.

Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. Her performance in representing her people is second to none. In fact, what she has done is worthy of emulation.

These and many are interested in participating in politics despite the knocks they receive from their counterparts.

Some stakeholders have come to say that Nigerian women at this time in history deserve full inclusion in politics rather than agitation for special seats in the National Assembly.

During the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women conference that held in Yenagoa, recently, women from the Niger Delta region were asked to demand total freedom to participate in politics because they do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.

What happens in other countries of the world can also happen in Nigeria as regards women.

Reports have it that women in Britain do not have special seats in parliament as well as America. Their own system flows and recognises them, and women participate fully in politics. Nobody talks about special seats or women being under-privileged there. It can be done in Nigeria.

Nigerian women are very intelligent and are active in politics. They are also very active in their various professions. So, why are they asking for special seats?

Women across the world participate and become members of parliament, governors and presidents. Nigeria should not be an exception. The system should cover women.

As elections are coming next year, efforts to get more women integrated in politics in Nigeria should be intensified.

Bring in more women into governance either in the state executive, the state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

In previous elections, there were situations where about 10 women would contest in various positions in some states, be it states or national assembly, but less than five of them would emerge winners. Most of those positions are dominated by the males.

A lot of problems are hindering Nigerian women from full participation in politics. Some of the problems range from competition from the opposite gender since it is assumed that women are weaker in nature.

Sometimes, the problem is even coming from fellow women. Nigerian women need full support and encouragement from their folks.

Family pressure is also one of the problems affecting women from participating fully in politics.

The quest for women’s participation in politics clearly means that women’s education does not end in kitchen.

As Nigeria marks 27 years in her return to democracy, it should be noted that women’s involvement and contribution can never be overemphasized.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

NAWOJ Seeks Partnership With Hotel Presidential On Summit

Published

3 weeks ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National Summit Planning Committee of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter has paid a courtesy visit to the Management of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, to seek partnership for its forthcoming National Summit scheduled for 28th to 30th October, 2026.

The visit, led by the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers State Chapter, Susan Lekara Nwinee and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Comrade Uchenda Bibian Okogbule, took place last Tuesday, at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.

In her address, Okogbule said NAWOJ, the women’s wing of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, is the umbrella body for all female journalists in Nigeria and the largest platform of women in media in West Africa.

“We are Storytellers, Truth-seekers, and Nation-builders. In Rivers State, our women are on the frontlines – reporting conflict, amplifying women’s voices and holding power to account. This morning, we come to you with a vision and a request for partnership,” she stated.

She said the 3-day National Summit, themed, “Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Change and Achieving A Sustainable Future: The Joy of Truth”, is expected to host over 5,000 women journalists, corporate leaders, editors, media owners, policymakers, development partners, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, and international delegates* from across the 36 States of Nigeria and beyond.

According to the Committee chairperson, the summit will interrogate critical issues including breaking glass ceilings in newsrooms, shaping constructive narratives, and ensuring women’s voices are heard and acted upon for national sustainability.

Okogbule noted that Hotel Presidential was selected based on three considerations namely, legacy, capacity, and partnership.

Her words: “This Hotel is Port Harcourt’s first 5-star address. It is a symbol of Rivers pride, excellence, and hospitality. Our national delegates deserve an iconic venue that matches the weight of our theme. We believe in ‘Rivers Women Supporting Rivers Institutions.”

She maintained that the he committee is seeking a sustainable partnership with Hotel Presidential in two key areas: such as venue partnership: A concessionary rate or sponsorship of the main conference hall for the 3-day summit.

In return, she said Hotel Presidential would be branded as NAWOJ’s “Official Venue Partner” across all national platforms, banners, TV, radio, and press materials.

She said that NAWOJ was also seeking financial and kind support, support for delegate welfare, refreshments, branding, or accommodation for out-of-state speakers, with partners’ logos listed as “Champion of Women.”

Her words: “Over 5,000 influential women will sleep, eat, meet, and post from Hotel Presidential. They will return to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, among others, with stories of your excellence”.

The Committee appealed to the Hotel Management to support the initiative, noting that the partnership would position Hotel Presidential as the “home of change” and reinforce its reputation for hosting landmark national events.

“We have come with respect. We have come with a plan and we have come with faith that Hotel Presidential will say yes to Rivers women, yes to truth, and yes to a sustainable future,” she concluded.

The visit had in attendance members of Hotel Presidential Management, members of NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter, led by the Chapter Chairperson, Susan Lekara Nwinee.

A copy of the Summit’s budget estimation was submitted to the Management for consideration.

Responding, the Managing Director of the hotel Presidential, Rex Yaakpogoro, promised to partner with the association.

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

1 month ago

June 12, 2026