The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has commended the efforts of UN Women and Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, the Special Assistant to the governor of Cross River State on Gender Mainstreaming for tirelessly working to highlight the limitless potentials of the girl child.
The monarch who spoke at an event organized in collaboration with his palace and UN Women, to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck and show greater deliberate commitment that will birth a future where girls, regardless of their circumstances, are empowered to excel in all areas of life.
He condemned harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, and all forms of violence against girls, charging all present to deliberately work for the protection of girls at all costs while envisioning a future where girls will take up leadership roles in boardrooms and lead community development efforts.
In her opening remarks at the event, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, SA to the governor of Cross River State on Gender Mainstreaming, expressed joy at welcoming attendees to the event, emphasizing that the day’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, more than highlights the importance of the girl child, captured in contemporary legislation and governance.
UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to co-host the event. She underscored the significance of girls stepping up as leaders, drawing inspiration from the female leaders present. She encouraged mothers and women leaders to view every girl as a potential leader.
Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the state governor , represented by the Special Adviser on Gender Mainstreaming, Inyang Asibong, commended the Obong of Calabar, UN Women, and the organizers for the initiative. She highlighted the efforts of the governor’s wife in advancing girl child development in the state. Asibong also noted that more than 8,000 girls in the state, have benefitted from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM programme, which continues to target secondary school girls.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the state Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, the wife of the Chief of Staff to the governor, representatives from the military and paramilitary forces, secondary school principals, the Obong’s council of chiefs, students, NGOs, and members of the media.