By Elijah Ugani
The Vice Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Glory Awowoh, has dismissed allegations made by a group of Sankwala market women who claimed they were shortchanged during the recent empowerment programme organized for market women by the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu.
Responding to the claims, Hon. Awowoh described the allegations as false and misleading, clarifying that the situation arose from misinformation regarding participation in the programme.
According to her, the empowerment exercise was designed to accommodate only 50 market women from each Local Government Area. However, more than 120 women from Obanliku, including some residents of Calabar, travelled to the venue expecting to participate in the programme.
She explained that upon realizing that some attendees would not benefit due to the limited allocation, organizers intervened and appealed to beneficiaries to voluntarily share their empowerment items and funds with those who were initially left out.
“The beneficiaries agreed without hesitation, and as a result, those who initially missed out were also supported. The exercise was concluded peacefully,” she stated.
Addressing allegations that female politicians and civil servants benefited at the expense of genuine market women, the Vice Chairman described the claims as surprising. She noted that the event was hosted by the First Lady of the state and that the presence of female political leaders was necessary to support the programme, coordinate participants from various LGAs, and ensure its smooth execution.
Hon. Awowoh stressed that no female political leader from Obanliku received empowerment benefits during the event, insisting that their role was purely supportive and administrative.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no female political leader from Obanliku was empowered at the programme. Our role was to ensure that our women received their benefits and that the event ended successfully,” she said.
She also reaffirmed the role of Mrs. Angelina Abaka, coordinator of the Market Women Forum for Greatness in Obanliku, noting that she was duly appointed by the state coordinator and has successfully mobilized women for several programmes organized by the First Lady in Ogoja, Ikom, and Calabar over the past year.
The Vice Chairman further emphasized that Sankwala Market is not the only market within Obanliku LGA. She pointed out that active markets also exist in Bishiri, Bendi, Bebi, Utanga, and Busi, adding that many women conduct legitimate businesses from their homes, compounds, and communities and are equally deserving of recognition and support.
Calling for unity and understanding among market women across the local government area, Hon. Awowoh announced plans for a general meeting aimed at addressing concerns, strengthening communication, expanding participation, and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information.
She urged all market women to remain peaceful and continue supporting initiatives designed to improve their welfare and economic empowerment.
The empowerment programme was part of ongoing efforts by the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, to support women across the state through economic empowerment and capacity-building initiatives.