Women

Need For Women Centre In Rivers

Published

7 years ago

November 8, 2019

After many years of work by the United Nations, the International Women’s Year (IWY) was declared in 1975. Further to this, 1976 to 1985 was established as United Nations Decade for Women.
Consistently and committedly, the United Nations kept faith by working towards the improvement of women’s status throughout the world.
The Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 held in Beijing had its theme, “Action for Equality Development and Peace”. One of its sub-themes was “Looking at the world through the eyes of women”. This theme directed all nations to consider the issues concerning women as very important. Not done with its focus on the persistent depravity of women in many spheres of life, the United Nations brought out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in which the third of the eight millennium goals is about promoting gender equality and empowering women.
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly again formulated another policy not only for the improvement of the status of women but also a host of other areas of human endeavour that are lacking attention. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was therefore, put in place. The SDGs has a collection of 17 global goals set by th.e UN for 2030. It is envisaged to transform our world by the year 2030. Keeping its essence “Goals 5” relates to Gender Equality. This goal specifically directs all nations to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
In order for countries to be able to articulate women’s issues to the benefit of the women and the countries at large, there is the need for WOMEN CENTRES to be built in strategic places in every country, every state and if possible at the local government centres – where the grassroots women could benefit from.
What are the reasons for building Women Centres for women, one may ask? First of all, the United Nations throughout recent times has identified the deprivation of social and economic amenities being witnessed by women all over the world which must be brought to a zero level so as to improve the life of women and children in their care who are the future of any nation. Furthermore, Women Centres afford the women a place they can go to discuss their problems collectively and seek solutions to them.
Women Centres must be all encompassing, integrated to serve myriads of purposes concerning women issues and should be multi-purpose centres – a one-stop-centre which would house skill acquisition centre, where crafts of all sorts will be taught by experts and exhibited for sale to the public at Trade Fairs. This no doubt will bring the needed economic empowerment of women.
Other services the Centre will provide will be care giving to vulnerable women. Therefore, Care-giver training institute,” which will take care of the health issues concerning women such as mental health, fitness, maternal and child-care is advocated. Under this could come some creches where little tots could be cared for during the office hours of their mothers.
A legal unit will be most desired for the legal matters concerning women.
Some of our women lawyers will be handy to lend assistance to indigent women who cannot afford the regular legal fees.
Women have often been neglected in matters of security. Society need to appreciate the fact that since women are not involved in the nation’s security architecture, the issue of security had not been tackled positively. Peace is eluding us daily. A Women Centre must incorporate a-Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit. Women have been known from our history to be good mediators. Our society is losing that half of humanity that could be gainfully employed for peace processes.
An office of Political Empowerment training is very essential. With the near neglect and sometimes tokism being given to women who constitute more than 50% of the electorates in Nigeria by way of their political participation needs a new direction of thought. The Political Empowerment of Women Unit will ease any government of the drudgery of choosing the best women for both appointive and elective positions in the governance of any country. Women are tired of government hand-picking women who more often than not do not align with the ideals of the modern women. Let women choose the women who will represent them in any sphere of endeavour.
The Unit will be responsible for counselling women and girls on their career choice. Accompanying this should be an Informal Adult Education Unit for women who did not have the first chance of having education at their early age – “The Second Chancers” as it is often called, the market women, are targeted for this programme.
Also, Digital Training for Women will be in this compartment.
It will not only be a place where meetings will be held but it will also generate revenue for the Centre, which could be hired for birthdays, marriage, etc.
Another area where revenue could be generated for the Centre is the “Sleep-over” apartments. These are one-room apartments – just like hostels for women and girls who could spend short periods of time when conferences are being held in Port Harcourt. Some parts of this hostel could be given to vulnerable women and girls.
Agricultural Unit also has its place in the Women Centre. Here women who are interested in agriculture could be counselled on which type of agricultural training they would wish to undertake from the process of acquisition of land to production.
A good number of women in Rivers State had made significant input into the development of Rivers State. They need to be celebrated in the various fields they had excelled. A Hall of Fame should be created for such women. This is aimed at inspiring other upcoming women and girls in the society for them to achieve more and be counted. In 1994 late Maryam Babangida commissioned the National Women Centre in Abuja. All States were expected to build same in their States and I know some States have done so but others have not.
The Women Centre which is indeed a multi-purpose one is not only to answer the call to order for the fifth goal of United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to be instituted in every country, it is also to provide the right environment and resources that will cater for the specific needs of women and give succor to those experiencing different challenges.
Sometime last year the Chief Executive of this State, Chief Nyesom Wike promised to build a Women Centre in Port Harcourt. We hope and believe our amiable Governor will redeem this pledge and the women of Rivers State will eternally be grateful to him.
Thom-Manuel is a former Women Editor of The Tide.

Nimi Thom-Manuel

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

4 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

4 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

2 months ago

June 12, 2026