Women

Love: All We Need For A Better Relationship

Published

17 years ago

December 14, 2009

Looking at the word love, does it make significant impact in a man’s life? Could you believe that love is a channel through which our relationship with God revolves? Well, the impact of love could be traced from the creation of man in the garden of Edem.

Love as a concept, has created a very big impact in the life of man since the origin of the world. According to Oxford – Advanced Learners Dictionary, “Love is a strong feeling of deep affection for somebody.”

It could be the one a mother has for her children, or love of one’s country. Several affections or passions could also be described as love, eg, a love song/story.

Do you think there are communities, countries, homes, that are experiencing peace without the existence of love therein? Love brings peace and nothing works without love.

Getting physical attraction would be the only possible relationship.

Remember the grace and power that is keeping our nation (Nigeria) today is the love God has for us.

Some see love as a state of confusion and disorder, but the reverse is the case. Love is an overwhelming feeling.

When you love some one you know, denying the fact won’t help and surprising love wouldn’t work either. We don’t love by surprise, if you love someone, make it open and express your love in the scripture, God had love for us and it was made open. He (God) expressed his love for us.

In the same vein, you don’t hide love because if you feel love for someone, it will be recognised by another person or yourself who had the feeling so. Love doesn’t hide no matter how you do it. It must be revealed consciously or unconsciously.

Love is everywhere, yet no where, this is because we know what is love but refused to follow its meaning.

But the possibilities of love remain endless, love is simplistic, chaotic, and at the same time shared.

Love knows all works of life, and it consumes and saves life at the same time.

Wherever life is, love is involved. According to an article once published by Topnews titled: “. Today’s Woman”, most people especially women believed that, “love is the proof that a woman meeds to have some assurance that the man will stick around her and help her with the upbringing of her off springs.

You can see that this is talking about sexual benefit and commitment. But also remember that love has to do with your total commitment towards the betterment of your brothers, sisters, relations, country, state and well wishers.

We are talking about the love Joseph had for his brothers, even after the betrayal. Cain killed his brother because there was no love in his heart. Gen. 4:8 proved that it was love that pushed Adam to eat the forbidden fruit given to him by his wife, Eve in the garden.

What else can we say about love?

As a reader of this piece, take a second to think about how your life would have been if love was non-existent?

No family member saying “I love you”. A wife or husband, boy friend or girl friends, all

Friends are only acquaintance, none of which ever repeats those three words. Think about letters, cards or any gift items always saying anything except for “love”.

When you have taken the time to think about the question through, I encourage you, reading this piece now, to tell your loved ones, “I love you”.

As a matter of fact, this word “Love” is not for a particular set of people, it is not selective. Not for the rich. Not for the poor. It is a general word that should be emulated from Christ who died for our sin, and whose blood was shed on the cross.

There should be love to ensure unity and mutual understandin g between parents and children, Pastors and Church members, leaders and followers, teachers and students. Even in the market, between sellers and buyers, let there be love. I believe that “love is the key to prosperity. The word “love” should be put in practice. Even among our youths, let there be love because it is said that “youth are tomorrow’s leaders. So how can we achieve effective leadership without love that will promote peace and unity among the rulers and the ruled.

Personally, love is all about being your brothers keeper and eliminating anything that will bring discrimination between you and your loved ones.

Elijah Jerry Dike

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