by By John Akpo
The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evang. Hon Mrs. Margaret Inde today played host to Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade as she held interactive session with Obanliku maidens, women, widows and others at the Council Secretariat in Sankwala.
Dr. Linda Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser, Cross River State Water Board LTD and Coordinator, Cross River Urban to Rural Women Mentorship Program, Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) and Mr Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to her Excellency said this meeting was the first major interface with the 200 beneficiaries of the mentorship and empowerment program designed for young women.
Receiving the team on behalf of Hon Margaret Inde, the First Lady and the Obanliku CROWEI Ambassador, Mrs Victoria Ugbe, along with the CROWEI Coordinator, Obanliku Chapter, Mrs Ulam thanked Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade for matching her words with action.
She expressed her sincere appreciation and happiness for Her Excellency choosing to commence the pilot phase of this laudable initiative in Obanliku.
The Ambassador assured that Obanliku will ensure a smooth implimentation and sustainability of the program.
Recall that on the 7th May, 2021, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade Inaugurated the State Exco for her new programme, CROWEI Urban To Rural Women Support Initiative Programme (CRU2RWI) with Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) as State Coordinator with a charge to commence the pilot phase at Obanliku Local Government Area immediately.
Today, Obanliku maidens, widows and others gathered at the Council Secretariat Sankwala from their various wards for an interactive session with the State Coordinator and her team.
Speaking during the interactive session, the State Coordinator, Hon Agnes Atsu (JP) appreciated all participants and encouraged all to take advantage of the opportunity to better their life thereby fullfiling destiny
Hon Atsu stressed that unlike other empowerment programs that has no good follow up, the organizers of this one will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, hence plans are already on ground.
In her words “Her Excellency is committed to ensure an implimentation of sustainable empowerment where beneficiaries can leverage on and create fortunes for themselves and their families”
“We are aware, that many are here to get this empowerment, sell whatever would be given and return to their normal life, I assure you, we will drive you through a training process after which you will now be empowered”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Press Secretary to her Execellency, Mr Fred Abua who also doubles as the Committee Secretary briefed the participants on the need for all to show seriousness and follow every step of the training.
He also noted that “empowering women is very vital in every society especially like ours, if the society must experience rapid development, hence the idea of Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade”
At the meeting, Hon Agnes Atsu informed the participants that very soon a team of trainers shall come and will take the participants on various entrepreneurial skills, trade and lots more.
