Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, has called for urgent action on gender equality and girls education to drive the nation’s socio-economic transformation.
Its National President, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, made the call at the weekend in Lokoja, during an event to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day, IWD, with the theme, “Accelerate Action”.
She was represented by POWA’s Chairperson in Kogi and wife of the Commissioner of Police, Mrs Bessie Dantawaye.
The event, which held at the State Police Headquarters, brought together, women from diverse backgrounds to discuss healthcare, gender equality, empowerment and societal progress.
The celebration began with a road walk around the town before returning to the Police Headquarters for an indoor session, where guest speakers, including medical professionals from the Police Clinic, delivered insightful lectures.
Mrs Egbetokun stressed that accelerating gender equality and girls education is essential, as women’s empowerment is key to societal growth.
She emphasised the need for women to support and uplift one another.
“To empower a woman is to empower a child, a family and ultimately, a nation.
“We must take bold steps, support each other and ensure that no woman is left behind in the quest for equality and progress.
“Therefore, I encourage all women to be bold, embrace confidence, take up leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
Guest speakers, Peter Gloria and Mrs Janet Moses highlighted the importance of women’s health and well-being as key to their success.
They urged them to uphold strong family values by properly training their children and raising them in the fear of God.
“POWA, Kogi State Chapter is committed to advocating women’s rights and fostering an inclusive society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
She reiterated POWA’s renewed commitment to gender equality, girls education, peace, love and unity. NAN
…Mandate Secretary Hails Helpline Initiative Skills Acquisition Centre
Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said the new Bwari Women Skills Acquisition Centre will be a vital resource that will serve as a beacon of opportunity for countless women.
The mandate secretary, represented by Jose Mudashiru, stated this at the commissioning ceremony of Helpline Social Support Initiative Women Skills Acquisition and Processing Centre in Barongoni Community, Bwari, Abuja.
She said the commissioning, which is part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration, presents an opportunity to show her commitment to support initiatives that empower women through education and skills development.
“‘Skills acquisition is not merely about learning a trade; it is about fostering confidence, independence and resilience. When women are equipped with skills, they gain the ability to support themselves and their families, break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the economy,” the secretary said.
Founder and President, Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmadu said the new centre, henceforth tagged ‘Garri Plaza’, is one of many of such centres in the six area councils of the FCT.
Represented by Jane Williams, she noted that empowering women is not just a moral obligation, “it is a catalyst for social and economic progress. When we nurture the potentials of women, we ultimately uplift families, communities and entire nations.”
She added that the centre, comprising about 50 women, will be a sanctuary of learning and growth, equipped with the resources needed for our women to thrive and where they will discover new skills, gain confidence and prepare to contribute meaningfully to the society.
In her remarks, Dr Rebecca Usman, who inaugurated the centre, said it represents a symbol of hope for women and is a sanctuary where they can harness their skills and build sustainable livelihoods because women are the backbone of the community.
She said the process of producing garri involves purchasing cassava from the market and leaving it in sacks for about two days or more, then the cassava is grinded in a machine before it is fried and then properly packaged.
Representative of the Minister of Women Affairs, Festus Bakpet said the skills centre is a noble idea and is in tandem with the ministry and the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of this administration.
Wife of the Etsu of Bwari, Susan Danlami commended the initiative and tenacity of the builders of the centre which she described as a platform for entrepreneurship and encouraged women to embrace the opportunity it offers and to support one another.
She said when women are equipped with skills they get the ability to support themselves and their families, they break the circle of poverty and contribute to the economy, it is a transformative process that can lift entire communities.
Some of the over 25 women who were present at the commissioning of the skills centre commended Helpline Social Support Initiative for their efforts in establishing the centre, saying they would see to its success.
